Coral in Ao Nang Show Signs of Bleaching as 20% Display Paling
Coral reefs in Ao Nang show early bleaching signs with 20% of live coral paling as sea temperatures reach 32°C, prompting park officials to increase monitoring in Krabi's national marine park.
KRABI — Coral reefs in Ao Nang are showing signs of paling, with approximately 20% of live coral affected, raising alarm about potential bleaching as sea temperatures climb.
Saengsuree Songthong, chief of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, said park officials conducted an underwater survey on April 26 led by assistant chief Nattawat Limsunthon around the western side of Koh Samet in Ao Nang subdistrict, Mueang Krabi district. The survey covered an area of 4,068 square metres.
Water temperatures reached 32°C, dropping to 31°C in shaded areas created by natural underwater formations at depths between 2.9 and 9.7 metres. The survey documented that 20% of live coral remained in normal condition, while another 20% showed paling. The affected species included massive corals, large star corals, staghorn corals, brain corals, Pavona cactus coral, galaxy coral, honeycomb coral, small-grooved brain corals, smaller star corals, and angular star corals.
One colony of Pavona cactus coral was found completely bleached, and about 30% of coral in the area was already dead. Other marine life sensitive to bleaching, including giant clams, soft corals, and sea anemones, showed approximately 3% paling.
Authorities installed a 100-metre boundary buoy line near Ao Pu Ya on Koh Poda, collected roughly 25 kilograms of marine debris from the reef area, and removed one fishing trap that contained no marine life.
Park officials warned that sustained sea temperatures of up to 32°C could accelerate coral bleaching in the coming weeks and pledged to maintain close monitoring of the situation.
