Ang Thong National Marine Park Faces Worst Coral Bleaching in a Decade

Ang Thong National Marine Park is currently experiencing its most severe coral bleaching event in a decade, with expectations for improvement by August. Despite the crisis, the park projects revenue exceeding 40 million baht by the end of the fiscal year.

Unprecedented Coral Bleaching Crisis

Ang Thong National Marine Park is facing a significant coral bleaching crisis, the worst in the past ten years. Rising sea temperatures have caused extensive coral stress and bleaching across the park’s waters.

Sutin Prompalat, Head of Ang Thong National Marine Park, reported that surveys conducted at 13 stations within the park revealed coral bleaching levels between 40% and 75%.

The bleaching began in April, with sea temperatures fluctuating between 29.19 and 32.36 degrees Celsius from April to June. The elevated sea temperatures have placed immense stress on the coral, leading to widespread bleaching.

Hope for Recovery

Despite the severe bleaching, there is hope for recovery as sea temperatures are starting to decrease. Sutin expressed optimism that conditions will improve by August, allowing the coral to begin its recovery process.

Key Islands and Marine Life

The park encompasses several notable islands, including Phaluai Island, Wua Talap Island, Mae Ko Island, Sam Sao Island, Tai Plao Island, Wua Kantang Island, Hin Dap Island, and Phai Luak Island. It is also home to the Bryde’s whale, a species protected under Thai law.

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Recognition and Management Excellence

Sutin highlighted the park’s exemplary management practices, which have garnered numerous accolades. Ang Thong National Marine Park is certified as an ASEAN Heritage Park, the sixth in Thailand to receive this honor. It has also been designated as a Ramsar Site, recognizing its significance as a wetland of international importance.

The Thailand Tourism Silver Awards for natural attractions and the Green National Park Award for environmental management in 2016 and 2020.

Enhancing Visitor Experience and Safety

The park management has implemented various initiatives to ensure visitor safety and enhance the tourist experience. In April, staff received training in emergency rescue operations, including CPR and responses to potential incidents such as kayak accidents, seafood allergies, and jellyfish stings. Special nets have been installed at Wua Talap Island to protect swimmers from Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish.

Regular upgrades and maintenance of tourist facilities are also a priority. This includes repairing guesthouses and installing additional fans. Daily beach clean-ups are conducted to maintain the pristine condition of the park.

Visitor Limits and Revenue Projections

To preserve the natural environment, the park limits the number of tourists to 1,000 per day, with approximately 80% to 90% being international visitors. As of the current fiscal year, the park has generated around 38 million baht in revenue. Sutin confidently projected that the park’s revenue will surpass 40 million baht by the end of the fiscal year. This would position Ang Thong National Marine Park as the ninth highest-earning park among Thailand’s 156 national parks.

Conclusion

Ang Thong National Marine Park is battling a significant coral bleaching event, the worst in a decade. However, with the sea temperatures beginning to drop, there is optimism for recovery. The park’s effective management and commitment to visitor safety and environmental preservation have earned it numerous accolades. Despite the coral bleaching crisis, the park is on track to generate substantial revenue, reflecting its popularity and importance as a natural attraction.