Tiny Phuket islands tourism ban after coral damage
Marine officials have banned tourist activities at coral reefs near three islands off Phuket’s east coast to prevent further damage to coral reefs at popular tourism sites.
The area around the island Koh Khai Nai has coral reefs covering 120 rai, Koh Khai Nok has 109 rai and Koh Khai Nui 17 rai. All the islands are located near Phuket.
The officials have also ordered the removal of facilities and structures used for tourist activities from all three islands,
IMPACT OF TOURISM
At least 60 speedboats per day, as well as increasing numbers of restaurants and shops are having a negative impact on the coastal areas around the three islands.
Typically, tour groups spend at least three hours swimming, feeding fish and snorkeling in the water, which cumulatively causes severe damage to the marine ecosystem, especially damage to coral reefs.