Sailing in Thailand and the Impact of Coral Reef Damage

Sailing in Thailand is world renowned for amazing coral. The coral reefs are indeed one of the main attractions to yachters visiting the beautiful island of Phuket. As previously explored  here at Simpson, protecting the ocean is everyone’s job – or everyone suffers.

Sailing in Thailand is world renowned for amazing coral. The coral reefs are indeed one of the main attractions to yachters visiting the beautiful island of Phuket. As previously explored here at Simpson,protecting the ocean is everyone’s job – or everyone suffers.

Three Thai island closed to tourists, due to the damage that has been caused to a whopping 80 per cent of their coral reefs as happened this May,  Koh Khai Nok,Koh Khai Nui and Koh Khai Nai islands.

The first to fall, and was announced to be off limits to visitors for ‘an indefinite period

The islands affected are linked to the problem of coral reef degradation.

Firstly  human

 Human Activity such as an increase in tourist numbers, boats which use corals as an anchor, and blissfully unaware snorkelers touching and standing on coral means that it is dying.

Also feeding marine mammals, and trying to get close to take pictures means that the ecosystem is disrupted. 

Secondlycoral bleachingCoral bleaching is caused by the changes in water temperature which occur due to climate change – so arguably also a manmade problem for corals.

During the time , the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources will work with tour operators, charter companies like us, local hotels and other organizations that work with tourists to promote coral care and the ethics of responsible tourism.