Phuket creating 3 coral reefs to attract marine tourism

Artificial coral reefs in Phuket are being created to attract tourists by divers. This 30 million baht project is being taken on unburden the tourists attraction from the main island to direct it towards the natural marine attraction of the Island.

New reefs will be created offshore from Sirinath National Park, off Racha Island and off Maithon Island. Clearing the natural reefs off the fishing debris creating artificial reefs and placing buoys in new spots for divers were this year’s three objectives felt Marine Biological Centre Director of Phuket, Thanet Mannoi.

The artificial reefs will be ideal for beginners and will attract fish and also help people to understand their environmental responsibilities, he added. Small fish would quickly start to discover the protection provided by the concrete blocks and be appealing to beginner divers.

There were already 120 buoys around the 37 islands off Phuket that need care and the aim was to put in more to prevent coral reefs being damaged by anchors. Experts such as Marine biologist Nalinee Thongtham is working with volunteers from the Missouri University to build artificial reefs in Phi Phi.