He continued by saying that some of the coral would die as it was too far gone and this might have an impact on diving and sightseeing in this area of the Gulf of Thailand. He noted that warmer than average sea temperatures in March and April had caused the bleaching.
The general-secretary finished on a positive note with the codicil that warm temperatures had decimated coral at Koh Talu and other gulf islands six years ago, but it had largely recovered before this year’s tragedy. The coral reefs at Koh Talu are four metres deep at most and easily reached with snorkelling masks and by novice divers.
Koh Talu is opposite Bang Saphan Noi on the mainland Thai peninsula. It is an easy drive from Prachuap Khiri Khan, Hua Hin and Cha Am. Tourism agencies in these seaside resorts operate excursions to Koh Talu.
Bleaching spoils coral at popular Gulf of Thailand island
News in Asia
Thai marine specialists say bleaching has ruined most of the staghorn coral around Koh Talu Island. Paopipat Charoenpak is the Siam Marine Rehabilitation Foundation’s general-secretary and he says up to 90 per cent of the staghorn has been blighted in addition to a chunk of the coral planted by biologists.