On Thursday (May 9), officials from the Phuket-based Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center of the Upper Andaman Sea visited the islands of Khai Nai, Khai Nok, Naka Yai, Naka Noi, Rang Yai, Taphao Yai, as well as Ao Tang Khem Bay.
The survey revealed that approximately 10% of corals showed decoloration and 30% had faded colors in the areas of Koh Khai Nok and Koh Khai Nai. In the other areas, 40% of corals had faded colors, but no bleached corals were found.
“The bleached corals included mushroom corals (Cycloseris spp.), rock corals (Porites lutea), and staghorn corals (Acropora spp.),” the DMCR report stated.
“Corals with faded colors included cauliflower corals (Pocillopora spp.), mushroom corals (Cycloseris spp.), rock corals (Porites lutea), and staghorn corals (Acropora spp.),” the report added.
The inspection was conducted on May 9, one day after the Sirinat National Park announced the temporary closure of Koh Pling and the surrounding reefs to visitors due to coral bleaching.
The announcement, issued on May 8 and effective immediately, did not specify a reopening date for Koh Pling.
The announcement, signed by Sirinat National Park Chief Watchara Songsi-on, stated that the small island off Nai Yang Beach will remain closed “until the situation improves.”