Reef Condition Update
We have conducted exploratory dives on many of the reefs around koh Lanta and we found them in a much better condition than we expected.
Damage is mainly found in shallow water (less than 4-5m). In these shallower water reefs there are quite a few broken corals. However, they are still colorful and are teaming with marine life, they are not attached anywhere. The majority of the broken corals will die but some will manage to attach and grow again. As previous recent experience showed, these reefs can recover quickly, if they are taken care. Like, in the case of Anemone reef and King Cruiser.
In waters deeper than 5m we found no damage, instead they were teaming with marine life in greater numbers than usually. This is due to the limited fishing taking place in the Andaman Sea after the Tsunami.
Humanities ties to coral reefs extend beyond their ecological importance. They provide support for local economies, resources for medical cures and much more. But these benefits will only persist as long as healthy coral reefs exist.
Living coral reefs occupy only 0.7% of the ocean floor yet they provide homes and vital nursery grounds for 25% of all marine species on the planet.
As the largest industry in the world, tourism attracts millions of visitors , billion of dollars to local economies and sustains 10% of all jobs on earth. In 1992 tourism generated 1.9 trillion US$ , over 27 times that generated by the world’s marine fisheries!
Barrier coral reefs protect shorelines from erosion and destruction due to storm and wave damage. It is estimated that each square meter of reef protects 47,000US$ in property value. Without this protection entire islands and coastal communities would simply not exist.
Like tropical rainforests, the diversity of coral reefs provide an incredible storehouse of beneficial medical pharmaceuticals. Scientists have found an abundance of compounds to help fight heart disease, asthma, leukemia, viruses, cancer and H.I.V.
How Can You Help?
- Avoid purchasing souvenirs made from coral or any threatened or endangered marine species.
- Support the establishment of coral reef protected areas and encourage better protection and management for those that exist.
- While traveling, choose resorts and tour operators that properly treat all sewage and wastewater.
- While operating a boat, navigate carefully to avoid contact with coral reefs and other vulnerable ecosystems such as sea-grass beds and maintain engine equipment to prevent oil and gas spills.
- As a diver or snorkeler, choose tour operators that use mooring buoys or drift diving techniques whenever possible rather than anchor that can cause reef damage.
- Make wise choices in selecting seafood by avoiding menu items that are caught or farmed using destructive or unsustainable practices including reef-killing poisons, explosives and illegal equipment.
- Avoid purchasing tropical wood furniture or products obtained from clear-cut tropical forests causing salutation damage to coral reefs.
- As a diver practice buoyancy control skills in a pool or a sandy area before diving near a coral reef. Make sure your gauges and equipment are secured to avoid accidental contact with the reef and never touch, stand or collect coral. Be an A.W.A.R.E Diver.
- Report all damage of coral reefs to dive operators, scientific or conservation groups that monitor reef health.
- Enroll in an AWARE-specialty course with a PADI professional to increase your knowledge about coral reefs and other aquatic environments.
Coral Reefs Need Our Protection
Coral refs are rapidly being destroyed worldwide. How fast are they disappearing? Scientists estimate that 25% of the world’s reefs are already dead. If the current trends continue we may face the loss of this precious resource entirely within the next 30-50 years!
While environmental stress is a factor humans cause the most significant problems affecting coral reefs. Due to their lack of sensitivity to even the slightest change in local conditions, coral reefs are often the first ecosystems affected by humankind’s alteration of the environment.
Sedimentation from coastal development and unwise land-use policies cause soil erosion inducing coral stress and blocking light necessary for coral growth.
Run-off from cropland and animal feed lots introduce excessive amounts of fertilizers and untreated sewage to reef environments. These nutrients slow growth rates, reduce light and water flow to coral surfaces and induce coral bleaching (a stress response causing corals to turn white and eventually die).
Global warming trends due to an increase in greenhouse gases and ozone depletion warm ocean temperatures, stressing coral reef ecosystems, often causing corals to bleach and die.
Destructive fishing practices suchas the use of reef killing poisons like cyanide, explosives and fishing devices reduce coral reef ecosystems to lifeless rubble every day.
Pollution from oil, petroleum products, untreated sewage and marine debris often poison and injure coral reef life.
Lost or discarded fishing nets (ghost nets) entangle thousands of fish and mammals and suffocate reefs.
Poorly conceived coastal development destroys vital ecosystems such as mangrove forests and sea grass beds which serve as nursery grounds for many reef inhabitants. |
