Threats to Surin reefs can be divided into two types: natural and human-related threats. There are few natural threats in Surin. Some, for example the strong waves that batter the reefs during stormy monsoons and the El Niño phenomenon that occurred in 1998, have caused deterioration of reefs in some areas, especially Mae Yai Bay. All the islands are covered with healthy forest, thus reducing the amount of sediment entering the sea.