21/02/2006 - Bangkok,
Thailand – As scientists met in Thailand
to discuss coral reef restoration and management
one year on from the Asian Tsunami, WWF
announced the discovery of a previously
unknown coral reef off the Thai coast.
The reef, located off the coast of Khao
Lak, a popular tourist destination on the
Andaman Sea coast of Thailand, was discovered
in January by a team of WWF divers after
being tipped off by local fishermen.
Initial surveys reveal that the 270-hectare
reef is home to over 30 genera of hard corals
and at least 112 species of fish from 56
families. Also found was a species of parrot
fish (Chlorurus rakaura) — first discovered
in Sri Lanka and never seen in Thailand
until now — as well as a rare species of
sweet lips (Plectorhincus macrospilus).
“This is a spectacular reef and its exciting
to think that there may be even more areas
like this still awaiting our discovery,”
said Dr Robert Mather, WWF Thailand's Senior
Programme Manager.
WWF is working closely with Thailand's
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources,
the Department of National Parks, local
communities and dive operators to manage
the reef, which may ultimately be included
in a new marine national park.
"I believe discussions with fishermen
over a wider area will lead us to discover
even more importsant reefs, not yet mapped
or protected by the authorities," said
Songpol Tippayawong, Head of the Marine
and Coastal Conservation Unit at WWF Thailand.
"If managed properly the reef can become
a prominent local dive site and serve as
an important source of income to the local
community.”
Other activities for the reef include more
extensive surveys and research, restoration
of degraded areas, placing mooring bouys
for dive boats, and establishing a system
for collection of dive fees and their use
to support community-based conservation
activities.
• WWF Thailand thanks the United Nations
Environment Programme (as part of the UN
Flash Appeal), and the Dutch public-funded
“Green Coast” project for financial support
for the work that enabled this discovery.
