Successful coral restoration boosts tourism at Koh Larn
A team of marine specialists conducted a diving inspection at Koh Larn to ensure the safety of tourists and coral reefs in the Sea Walker area. The inspection revealed the successful restoration of staghorn coral reefs.
Dr Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), led a group, including Ukkrit Sataphumin, director of the Marine Resources Conservation Division, and other marine experts, on a diving mission to monitor the Sea Walker area. This activity aimed to guarantee tourist safety and the protection of the coral ecosystem.
Pattaya serves as a prime example of coral restoration success while simultaneously being a significant tourist revenue generator, with daily earnings exceeding 5 million baht. The Koh Larn area boasts stunning beaches and several smaller islands like Koh Krok and Koh Sak, popular for both deep and shallow water diving, as well as diving lessons.
The DMCR, responsible for marine and coastal resource management, oversees these areas and regulates water activities under the Blue Economy concept. This approach focuses on sustainable economic development using marine and coastal resources, ensuring growth alongside ecosystem conservation. Measures and controls for activities like Sea Walker tours are implemented to prevent adverse effects on coral ecosystems.
“Sea Walker tours have previously impacted coral ecosystems due to tourist interactions, leading to a temporary ban. However, the DMCR now collaborates with multiple parties to manage Sea Walker activities, ensuring safety for marine resources and coral reefs.
“Pattaya has issued guidelines permitting Sea Walker operations in 38 designated plots outside natural coral areas, with 29 plots on Koh Larn, divided between Thong Lang Beach and Tawaen Beach, and 10 plots near the shooting range, along with 9 plots on Koh Sak. Operators are urged to prioritise safety for both tourists and marine life.”
Ukkrit explained that Sea Walker tours involve tourists wearing transparent helmets with oxygen supply from a boat, allowing them to walk underwater at depths of 7 to 10 metres for 15 to 20 minutes. Guides assist tourists to the seabed before they explore marine life and underwater sculptures.
The Sea Walker helmets, weighing about 10 kilogrammes, prevent buoyancy, and oxygen is pumped from the boat. The DMCR has established guidelines for Sea Walker operations, prohibiting activities in natural coral areas, feeding fish, and requiring sediment control measures. Walking paths must be covered with materials to reduce sediment and fenced off to prevent straying beyond designated 30 by 30 square metre areas. Buoys clearly mark activity zones.
The department emphasises the importance of marine resources over tourism revenue. Violations harming natural marine resources will result in strict legal action. Business operators and tour guides must meet established criteria and standards before receiving licences.
Following the inspection, Dr Pinsak and the team visited Haad Khae Rai on Koh Larn to monitor coral planting efforts aimed at expanding and restoring coral areas. He noted that the reef in this area was severely damaged, with broken coral fragments. Historically, the site was rich in staghorn coral, and its potential for recovery was recognised.
The DMCR accelerated restoration efforts by relocating and securing small coral fragments to bricks. Preliminary observations show high survival and growth rates among transplanted corals, with the once-degraded reef now in excellent condition, boasting increased live coral coverage. During the recent coral bleaching event from May to July, staghorn corals in Koh Larn were minimally affected compared to severe bleaching across most national reefs.
Transplanting damaged coral branches into nursery habitats has developed into a thriving coral ecosystem, promoting tourism and generating economic value for the community. Additionally, community networks and tourism operators are encouraged to form coastal community groups under Section 16 of the Marine and Coastal Resources Management Promotion Act 2015. This initiative aims to foster a sense of stewardship among coastal communities and tourism operators, encouraging them to protect, care for, and sustainably utilise marine and coastal resources, reported KhaoSod.
