Coral reef restoration in Thailand

Abstract

Thailand ranks third in total reef area among the Southeast Asia countries, following the Philippines and Indonesia. Coral reefs in Thailand play a crucial role in the fisheries and tourism industries, and therefore are of paramount importance for the economy. However, at present anthropogenic degradation of corals in Thailand is the main issue. Several practices have historically degraded Thailand’s coral reefs such as bottom trawling and blast fishing, offshore tin, and the expansion of beach resorts and industrial facilities. More recently, wastewater pollution associated with rapid coastal development as well as diving activities including skin diving, scuba diving, and sea walking have added to the spectrum of problems. The technology of reef rehabilitation is developed and deployed in Thailand mainly to repair damaged reef areas by both natural and man-made causes, and as mitigating measure for coastal development. All methods have the same objective, which is to improve coral cover by either providing suitable substrates for coral recruits, supplying recruits, or by fragmenting donor colonies and transfer them to degraded reef areas. Yet, strategies differ depending on the areas. In this presentation, I will present some techniques used for coral restoration in Thailand.