Talk of the town part 02.

After reading recent reports about the coral bleaching in the similans we the dive operators in Khao lak would like to respond. We agree with the assement of theThe Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) that drastic measures are needed to help the reefs recover. The east coast is in particular need of help with East of Eden, Breakfast Bend & Anita's reef the worst affected. Other sites on the west coast haven't been as badly affected and continue to offer good diving. As there are sites that have been closed for many years around islands 1,2,3 & 8 perhaps it would be a good idea for those to be opened again so that the existing sites on the west coast dont get over loaded. Sites further north like Koh Bon, Koh Ta Chai & Richelieu Rock were not as badly affected and already signs of improvement can be seen
As dive operators we understand the need to protect the environment & take necessary measures in educating all divers old & new about their impact and how to avoid damaging the marine environment. We also educate our Thai boat crews & emphasize the fact that NO rubbish is to be thrown into the sea and all garbage is returned to the mainland for disposal. All Live - aboard boats have been fitted with septic tanks for many years now & are only emptied when in the open sea & never when in the confines of the marine park boundaries.
It has been implicated in some news reports that divers have been or are responsible for the bleaching of the reefs which is just not true. Bleaching is a natural occurring phenomena that happens all around the world at various times & is mostly due to the sudden increase or decrease in the seas temperature. You can find out more about this at http://www.marinebiology.org/coralbleaching.htm
In the meantime the diving at the Similan Islands is still very good at most sites & many divers continue to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world that the Similan Islands have to offer. We will work together with the relevant agencies to ensure that everything possible is done to help this wonderful resource regenerate its self.                                                                                        Check the news from Phuket Wan, today.