MARINE BIODIVERSITY
Thailand's vast coastlines along the mainland stretch over 2,700 km in length. In the west, the Andaman coast opens to the Indian Ocean. In the east, the Gulf of Thailand is a shallow basin less than 85m in depth connected to the South China Sea. Hundreds of islands occur off both coastlines. Under the influence of monsoon weather, a seasonal decrease in tourism traffic offers each coastline an opportunity to recuperate and regenerate. Additionally, strong currents flush sediments and pollution from the deeper Andaman seas. Marine national parks are seasonally closed to marine tourism so check with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants before travelling to your chosen destination.

More than 250 species of hard coral, 110 reef fish, and 1,150 species of ocean and bottom feeding fish have been recorded for Thailand, along with 35 species of mangroves and 15 sea grasses. More than 200 fish species can be seen in an hour of snorkelling on reefs around the Surin Islands. Twenty-two species of cetaceans including the rare Irrawaddy dolphin and Bryde's whale are known from Thai seas and estuaries.

Coral reefs harbour a diversity of animal life on par with rainforests in the terrestrial realm. The reefs protect coastlines from erosion and attract tourism. Three hundred reef groups occur over an area of 12,000 sq km, with 55% of reefs located off the Andaman coast. The most pristine reefs are on more remote islands such as Mu Koh Surin. Reef fish, including commercially valuable species and those consumed by the local people, abound in coral communities. Extensive coastal plains on both sides of the peninsula support over 1,900 sq km of mangrove forests that serve as nurseries for marine fish and invertebrates. At low tide, reefs and mangroves serve as feeding areas for crabs, mudskippers and birds. At high tide parrotfish, rays and sharks come to feed there. Sea grass beds also serve as fish breeding grounds, and are important habitats for the endangered Dugongs and four marine turtle species.

As a result of its biodiversity and "diver-friendly seas", Thailand offers some of the world's finest diving sites. In a space of a decade, there has been exponential growth in the Thai dive industry and marine ecotourism.

FRIENDLY THAI SEAS (Thailand as a Dive Destination)
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GROWTH OF THE THAI DIVE INDUSTRY 1992 - 2003
"Diving - From A Decade of Small Beginnings to a Sustainable Future"
Statistics presented at an Asia Dive Expo 2003 forum

			1992		2003
	No. of Dive Shops		47		163
	No. of Dive Instructors		488		1,839
	No. of Divers (includes overseas visitors)		7,247		78,126

Source: PADI
A large number of tourists obtain their dive certification in Thailand with Koh Tao processing the highest number of dive certifications in Asia.

There is a consensus among academics, local and international dive operators and divers that this exponential growth needs to be carefully managed to ensure sustainability.

KEY ISSUES
Despite their diversity, coral reefs and marine endangered species are threatened by nutrient pollution and siltation from coastal development, and inappropriate fishing practices. Collection of seashells for the tourist trade and marine fish for the pet trade also threaten the integrity of marine environments. The development of beach resorts and tourist behaviour affects coral reefs and other marine habitats.

Recognizing the threats, a number of agencies have been assigned tasks relating to protecting and conserving marine environments.

KEY PLAYERS IN MARINE RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND TOURISM AND THEIR ROLES

THE MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT
Preserves, conserves, develops and rehabilitates natural resources and the environment to ensure their sustainable use, with the active participation and support of the public and all stakeholders.

	The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Manages marine and coastal flora and fauna including mangrove forests through conservation and rehabilitation.
	The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Conserves marine and coastal resources and promotes awareness through tourism in Marine National Parks.

THE DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES
The Department of Fisheries is responsible for the management of aquatic resources.

THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND SPORTS
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports regulates and ensures quality tourism in marine areas by imposing standards on travel and tourism operators.

THE TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND
The Tourism Authority of Thailand promotes responsible tourism and best practices for the conservation of the marine environment.

KEY MARINE CONSERVATION PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES
Thailand has taken several important steps towards protecting and nurturing marine environments.

	LEGISLATION AND MANAGEMENT Under the National Park Act of 1961, a National Park is "to be preserved in its natural state for the public's education and enjoyment." The first National Park with a marine area, Khao Sam Roi Yot, was established in 1966. Since 1993 all National Parks with a marine area were reclassified as Marine National Parks (MPAs). A system of 21 MPAs and two Non-Hunting Areas (NHAs) cover 5,819 sq km and protect 40% of Thailand's 153 sq km of coral reef. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants is responsible for managing MPAs and NHAs. Since 1993 the Department of Fisheries has implemented a program to enhance the protection and conservation of fish breeding grounds in the Gulf of Thailand. Since 1995 the Department implemented a program of research, training and public education for coral reefs outside of marine parks.
	PROTECTION, EDUCATION AND AWARENESS THE PRINCESS CHULABHORN 36 MARINE PARK PROJECT & CHULABHORN MARINE PARK CONSERVATORY CENTRE The Princess Chulabhorn 36 Marine Park Project aims to protect coral and marine vegetation in the Andaman Sea, protect forests on Similan, Surin, Bon and Tachai islands, and create public awareness and appreciation of nature. The Project was initiated by the Chulabhorn Research Institute, the Royal Thai Navy and government and private sector agencies including the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants, the Department of Fisheries, Phang-nga Province, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Siam Commercial Bank, to honour the Princess on the occasion of Her Royal Highness's 36th birthday. Marine patrols by Navy staff serve to discourage unsustainable fishing practices and prevent the capture of marine fish for the pet trade. The naval unit also provides assistance to tourists such as in the case of medical emergencies arising in the course of their travels in the Andaman Sea. Intensive 6-week dive training courses are provided to state officials with direct responsibilities for marine conservation. Each year a 14-day "Scuba Divers for Marine Resources Conservation" is offered to volunteers. Eight classes have been conducted since 1997. Graduates are involved in the deployment of mooring buoys and coral reef markers, and diving buoys to safeguard against damage to coral reefs. With the coordination of international dive operators, almost 300 mooring buoys were set in 2002-3 with more planned for reefs in the provinces of Krabi, Trang and Satun. Maps featuring coral outcrops and locations of buoys and markers are drawn up. The project also encourages officials in communities that benefit economically from marine resources to participate in ecotourism and conservation initiatives, so the resources are sustainable. Finally, a sea turtle hatchery is managed by the Royal Thai Navy. An important nesting beach for Green turtles lies on Yu Yong Island (Similan Island No. 1). Eggs are harvested from the island, and hatched in controlled conditions, for later release at other degraded sites. Established in 1993, the Project is based at the Third Naval Unit at Thai Muang, Phang-nga Province, a 1.5 hr drive from Phuket Town. Photos featured in this section © The Princess Chulabhorn 36 Marine Park Project
	RESEARCH AND EDUCATION THE PHUKET MARINE BIOLOGICAL CENTRE (PMBC) Established in 1966 under an agreement between the governments of Thailand and Denmark, PMBC conducts research in marine science to provide guidelines and recommendations for sustaining commercial fisheries, for managing marine pollution, and for conserving endangered marine fauna. Monitoring programmes provide information for managing coral reefs, sea grasses and beaches, and other ecosystems. PMBC monitors populations of whales, dolphins and dugongs, and hosts workshops, seminars and awareness programmes to promote their conservation. For example, a Regional Marine Mammal Training Course held in January 2002, gave Asian scientists practical experience in marine mammal research methods. A technical support network for scientists conducting marine mammal research and education activities sprung from the training. PMBC researchers also study the ecology of sea turtles. Satellite transmitters are attached to the backs of turtles, or microchips are inserted into their shells, and their movements in the ocean are tracked. Important nesting beaches have been identified, and feeding grounds inside and outside of Thailand located. To protect nesting Green turtles, PMBC has recommended a 5 km Strict Conservation Zone around Yu Yong Island. At Phra Tong Island, sea turtles nest on western beaches from November to January, sea grass beds provide habitat for dugongs, and whales and dolphins are found offshore. The island is also a nesting site for Nok Takroom or Lesser Adjutant - a rare bird. Unique swamp forests (paa samet) on the islands are seasonally flooded, so access is limited thus providing natural protection for coastal life forms. PMBC coordinates with a local community group to help guide efforts to preserve the integrity of the pristine habitats on the islands. PMBC is involved in efforts to monitor and restore degraded marine habitats in Phang-nga Bay, in the Gulf of Thailand, and in reefs near Phuket. Other projects involve mapping coral reefs and sea grass beds, conservation diving training for divers, tour operators, and students, and recruiting tourists to participate in coral reef surveys and monitoring. PMBC maintains an extensive library, a marine reference collection with over 200,000 specimens, and the famous Phuket Aquarium, and is located on Cape Panwa, Phuket Island. All photos featured in this section © The Phuket Marine Biological Centre (PMBC)

Contact information:
THE PRINCESS CHULABHORN 36 MARINE PARK PROJECT (BANGKOK)
c/o The Chulabhorn Research Institute
54 Moo 4 Viphavadee-Rangsit Road
Laksi District, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
Tel: 66-(0)-2574-0607 or 66-(0)-2574-0622 Ext 2502

THE PRINCESS CHULABHORN 36 MARINE PARK PROJECT
(PHANG-NGA) &
CHULABHORN MARINE PARK CONSERVATORY CENTRE
Moo 5 Ban Taplamu, Amphoe Thai Muang, Phang-nga Province 82210, Thailand
Tel: Tel: 66-(0)-7659-5169 to 70

THE ROYAL THAI NAVY TURTLE CONSERVATION CENTRE (HATCHERY)
Third Naval Unit, the Naval Operations Unit, of the Royal Thai Navy
Phang-nga Naval Base
Tel: Tel: 66-(0)-7659-5169 to 70

THE PHUKET MARINE BIOLOGICAL CENTRE (PMBC)
Tel: 66-(0)-7639-1128 or 66-(0)-7639-1042
Fax: 66-(0)-7639-1127
PO Box 60, Phuket 83000, Thailand

PROJECTS BY CONSERVATION AGENCIES

	"SAVE OUR SEAS" World Wide Fund for Nature and Wildlife Fund Thailand
	REGIONAL MARINE MAMMAL TRAINING PROGRAMME Wildlife Conservation Society/Phuket Marine Biological Centre
	IRRAWADDY DOLPHIN CONSERVATION AT SONGKHLA LAKE Wildlife Conservation Society
	MARINE TURTLE CONSERVATION IN THAILAND World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) - Thailand Programme http://www.tatnews.org/others/1924.asp
	NAUCRATES SEA TURTLE PROJECT Web site: www.naucrates.org The small NGO "Naucrates" (Greek for "those who dominate the sea") have worked since 1996 to prevent the extinction of Andaman coast sea turtles. Volunteers patrol fifteen kilometers of Koh Phra Tong's beach early each morning, hoping to reach the nests ahead of egg collectors. Their Sea Turtle Project has reduced egg poaching on Koh Phra Tong and two other islands to near zero, demonstrating that an intense and regular conservation program can eliminate one of the main human threats to sea turtles -- at least in the short term.
	SAVE THE WHALE SHARK Web site: www.whalesharkthai.com
ACKNOWLDEGEMENTS News Room sincerely thanks the Chulabhorn Research Insitute, the Princess Chulabhorn 36 Marine Park Project, the Third Naval Unit of the Royal Thai Navy, the Phuket Marine Biological Centre, Dive Master, Southeast Asia Liveaboards, the organisers of Asia Dive Expo, the JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa, World Wide Fund for Nature - Thailand Programme for the enthusiastic support and kind assistance in providing either information and/or images for this feature.

SAVING THAI SEAS:
BEST PRACTICES FOR SUSTAINABLE MARINE ECOTOURISM
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	Contact information:		ABOUT THE AUTHOR ANTONY LYNAM
	Wildlife Conservation Society - Thailand Programme E-mail: Thailand@wcs.org Website: www.wcs.org Wildlife Fund Thailand E-mail: wwfthai@wwfthai.org Web site: www.wildlifefund.or.th World Wide Fund for Nature - Thailand Programme E-mail: info@wwfthai.org Web site: www.panda.org Save Whale Shark For The Thai Sea Conservation Club (WSTC) E-mail: info@whalesharkthai.com Web site: www.whalesharkthai.com Dive Master E-mail: info@divemaster.net Web site: www.divemaster.net South East Asia Liveaboards Web site: www.seal-asia.com E-mail: into@seal-asia.com		Antony Lynam (Ph.D.), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)- Thailand Programme Director and conservation scientist, works with the Thailand Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants to develop programmes for the conservation of the country's endangered species, park resources management, and the design and conduct of training curriculum for park rangers. An Australian citizen, he has authored a number of technical papers and popular articles concerning conservation issues in Australia, North America, and Thailand, and was a contributor to the seminal volume on habitat fragmentation "Tropical Forest Remnants: Ecology, Conservation and Management". He writes frequently on natural history for magazines, journals and newspapers including Wildlife Conservation, The Nation, The Bangkok Post, and The Natural History Bulletin of The Siam Society.