Boat anchoring, fishing banned to protect coral reefs in Thailand

BANGKOK, Sept 25 -- The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) issued announcement to protect coral and rocky reefs in several provinces with control over activities that pose threat to the environment, Thai news agency (TNA) reported.

Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said the orders have been already put into effect.

He said underwater surveys found plastic waste and fishing nets that destroy coral reefs.

Payam Island, dubbed Maldives in Thailand in Ranong, Losin Island in Pattani, Dokmai Island in Phang-nga and Kong Hin Daeng or underwater rocks in Krabi must be restored urgently.

DMCR director –general said that the orders ban anchoring on the reef, feeding marine animals to lure or catch them, collecting marine animals and dumping waste activities into the sea.

Any activities that causes diffusion of sediment on the seabed, affecting coral reefs and sea grass is not permitted.

Rocky reefs, the country’s major dive sites have been damaged by fishing activity, resulting the department bans all kinds of fishing activities at several rocky reefs in Surat Thani, Pattani, Phang-nga and Krabi except for researches and conservation, which must seek permission from the DMCR director-general.

Violators face a maximum of one year jail term and or a fine of 100,000 baht.

-- BERNAMA