Parking the problem: Thai national parks close to revive coral reefs

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) implemented indefinite closures at marine attractions in 12 national parks in Thailand to allow coral reefs to recover from bleaching.

DNP Director Auttaphon Jaroenchansa told the media yesterday, May 9, that the director in each national park closely monitors the coral bleaching situation to determine the cause and identify recovery solutions.

Monitoring revealed that high seawater temperatures, oil spills, and sediment buildup on the coral are contributing factors. Moreover, low sea levels exposed the coral for extended periods, especially in Koh Pling in Phuket.

These factors stress the coral and force them to expel the single-celled algae called zooxanthellae. These algae provide the coral with energy and contribute to its vibrant colour.

Losing zooxanthellae weakens the coral and turns it white. Prolonged exposure to these conditions, at two to three weeks, can lead to coral death.

To prevent further damage and allow for recovery, the DNP has closed marine attractions in 12 national parks until further notice. Human activity can disturb and hinder the coral’s recovery process. The closures affect the following national parks:

• Mu Koh Chang National Park (Trat)
• Khao Laem Ya-Samet National Park (Rayong)
• Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park (Prachuap Khiri Khan)
• Hat Wanakon National Park (Prachuap Khiri Khan)
• Mu Koh Chumphon National Park (Chumphon)
• Hat Khanom-Mu Koh Thalay Tai National Park (Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani)
• Mu Koh Surin National Park (Phang Nga)
• Sirinat National Park (Phuket)
• Ao Phang Nga National Park (Phang Nga)
• Than Bok Khorani National Park (Krabi)
• Nopparat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park (Krabi)
• Mu Koh Lanta National Park (Krabi)

Three additional locations are under special surveillance due to severe coral bleaching including:

• Koh Jan in the Hat Wanakon National Park in Prachuap Kiri Khan
• Koh Pling in Sirinat National Park in Phuket
• Mu Koh Chumphon National Park in Chumphon
• Koh Khram
• Koh Ngam Noi
• Koh Ngam Yai

Koh Pling in Phuket | Photo via Facebook/ Jirapong Jeewarongkakul