The Marine and Coastal Conservation Team of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Thailand recently discovered over 30 species of hard corals approximately 5 kilometers off the coast. This area is home to 12 species of fish from 56 families.
The newly discovered coral reef was found last month near Tai Muang (Phang Nga, Thailand) and covers over 4 square kilometers, accounting for about 5% of the coral area in the Andaman Sea.
This information was announced at a recent meeting of international experts in Thailand to discuss coral conservation and management.
Songpol Tippayawong, the head of the conservation team, stated that the fish species living in this area include rare ones such as the parrotfish Chlorurus rakaura.
This species was first discovered in Sri Lanka and had not been seen previously in Thai waters.
Songpol mentioned that this discovery helps scientists understand why sea turtles in the Andaman Sea choose the Tai Muang area as a major nesting site: this coral reef serves as a food source for sea turtles and their offspring.
Nearby Had Tai Muang Beach is the only beach in Thailand where sea turtles from the Andaman Sea come to lay their eggs. Approximately 4 species of sea turtles nest along the 14-kilometer stretch of coastline.
Songpol hopes the team will explore more significant coral reefs that are currently undiscovered or unprotected.
There are concerns that the newly discovered coral reef will attract tour operators to organize snorkeling trips for tourists. Therefore, WWF is temporarily keeping the exact location of the newly discovered reef a secret.
Pollution, global warming, and human expansion along coastlines are increasingly significant threats to coral reefs and mangroves.
A recent report from the United Nations indicates that 30% of the world’s coral reefs are severely damaged, and about 60% of coral reefs could disappear by 2030. Thus, the newly discovered and still healthy coral reefs hold high scientific and ecological value.
Vu Minh Thuong
