Surin has a zoning plan comprising seven zones. Coral reefs are covered by four zones: Strict Nature Reserve Zone, Recovery Zone, Outdoor Recreation Zone and General Use Zone. The Strict Nature Reserve Zone and Recovery Zone include prohibition of all activities except research; while the other two zones allow all non-destructive recreation activities (all forms of fishing are prohibited). Since the El Niño phenomenon in 1998, reefs in the General Use Zone and the Outdoor Recreation Zone, which are designated for SCUBA and skin diving, were under severe threat and some reefs were extensively damaged. Tourists, especially divers, now do not want to go to these reefs. In response, park management decided to allow recreation activities at Pachumba Island in 1999 to provided alternative site for recreation.