Thailand Declares Mu Ko Man Islands Protected Marine Area
Thailand has designated the Ko Man islands in Rayong Province as a protected marine area covering about 74 square kilometers. The move aims to conserve coral reefs and sea turtles while allowing sustainable fisheries and tourism. Local fishers worry about restrictions and have asked for clear fishing zones to protect their livelihoods.
The Marine Department’s announcement turns the Ko Man islands into a protected marine area covering approximately 74 square kilometers (46,664 rai) in Rayong Province. The designation, effective May 29, 2026, makes it the sixth area protected under the 2015 Marine and Coastal Resources Management Act, aiming to conserve natural ecosystems while permitting sustainable human use.
Local fishermen from Makham Pom Bay and the Pra Sae River mouth voiced worries that the new restrictions could block their traditional fishing grounds, which they have used for generations. They noted that Ko Man Nai alone, if overly protected, would still be acceptable, but they fear limits on small‑scale fishing that could force them to travel farther out to sea.
About 20‑30 small fishing boats operate daily around Ko Man Nai, setting traps for grouper, crab, and squid overnight and retrieving their catches in the morning. Though catches vary with the season and may affect community income, fishers said they are not yet alarmed by the need to adapt, but they urge the authorities to define clear fishing zones for small vessels to avoid unnecessary disruption.
Officials said the protection plan will be reviewed in 2026‑2027 with input from fishing, tourism, and related agencies to develop a management plan.
The Ko Man islands boast high biodiversity across the three interconnected islands, with rich coral reefs accounting for roughly half of Rayong Province’s coral resources—about 1,300 rai. The islands also host a sea‑turtle conservation project initiated by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, which nurtures and releases 200‑300 turtles annually, including green, hawksbill, and olive ridley turtles, as well as caring for over 100 disabled turtles.
