Warming Ocean Waters Cause Coral Bleaching near Tachai Island in Phang-nga
The corals surrounding Tachai Island, located within the Similan Islands National Park off the southern province of Phang-nga, are experiencing bleaching as a result of the increasing temperature of the sea water.
According to Paisan Boonsawat, the head of Phuket Marine Park Operation Centre 2, his team conducted a survey of the corals around the island in the past two days and discovered bleaching in staghorn, hump, and flower corals.
Boonsawat mentioned that approximately 20% of the corals situated 2-8 meters deep in the water have commenced bleaching, with 5% already fully bleached. However, he clarified that corals in deeper waters remain unaffected for now.
The temperature in the shallow waters was recorded at 30°C, and in order to monitor the fluctuating sea temperatures, a data recorder has been installed.
