PHUKET, Thailand (13 Jan 2005) -- Scientists are urging Thailand's government to ban scuba diving and all other marine recreation and tourism activities in parts of the Similan Islands where the tsunami has severely damaged coral reefs. In Phangnga province, ongoing surveys have found severe and widespread damage, especially to coral reefs on the east side of the Similans. Experts now estimate that up to 20 percent of the damaged coral is dead. Other areas where corals have been damaged but are still alive could recover if popular scuba diving and snorkeling reefs are sealed off and fully protected to allow time for regeneration. | | The wrong place to build a dive shop, hotel or anything else. Thailand's 'farang' controlled dive industry is fighting against scientists, ecologists and local Thais who want damaged areas declared off-limits for reconstruction and development. Among reefs where scientists want to ban diving due to severe tsunami damage and are ''The Wall'', ''Christmas Tree Point'' and ''Snapper Alley''. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
