Hundreds of Phuket residents come together for World Ocean Day 2013

PHUKET: Nearly 500 local students and other participants joined together at the Phuket Aquarium in celebration of World Ocean Day 2013 this morning.

“For this special day we encourage people to become more aware of the problems facing our oceans, and the need for them to take action,” Sombat Poovachiranon of the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) said.

The United Nations World Ocean Day website states, “The oceans are essential to food security and the health and survival of all life, power our climate, and are a critical part of the biosphere. The official designation of World Oceans Day is an opportunity to raise global awareness of the current challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans.”

To promote the rejuvenation of the oceans around Phuket, dignitaries at the event attached coral frags to cement blocks to be placed in the water around Koh Khai, following which 29 Olive Ridley sea turtles and 19,999 Sea Bass fry were released.

During the event, Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut laid out his three-step plan for protecting Phuket’s marine environment.

“There are three things I want people to do to help save our our marine ecosystems: 1) help others realize the importance of the sea; 2) stop illegal and legal activities that are damaging our coastal resources; and 3) take active steps to improve the marine environment,” Gov Maitri said.

“Phuket is a world class tourist destination and has some of the most beautiful ocean areas on earth. The people of Phuket need to protect this treasure from those who are destroying the corals and over fishing.”

“We also must keep our beaches clean,” the Governor added.

— Saran Mitrarat