Thailand’s eastern gulf coast is witnessing unprecedented sea temperatures, causing significant distress to marine life from coral reefs to fish.
Amid a regional heatwave, sea surface temperatures have soared to a record 32.73 degrees Celsius this month, with underwater readings even higher at around 33 degrees Celsius. These extreme conditions have led to widespread coral bleaching, a phenomenon where corals lose their vibrant colors and turn white, indicating severe stress and deteriorating health.
Marine biologist Lalita Putchim from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) recently conducted dives in the affected areas. “I couldn’t find a single healthy coral,” she reported. “Almost all species have bleached; there’s very little that’s not affected.”
In the Trat archipelago, home to over 66 islands and more than 28.4 square kilometers of coral reefs, up to 30% of coral life is experiencing bleaching, with 5% already dead. Lalita warns that if water temperatures do not cool soon, more coral will die. “It’s global boiling, not just global warming,” she emphasized.
The rising temperatures are not only impacting corals but also threatening other marine life and the livelihoods of local fishermen. Sommay Singsura, a fisherman in the region, has witnessed a drastic decline in his daily catch. “There used to be jackfish, short mackerel, and many others,” he lamented. “But now, the situation isn’t good. The weather isn’t like what it used to be.” Previously earning up to 10,000 baht ($275) a day, Sommay now sometimes returns empty-handed.
Coral reefs serve as essential habitats and food sources for marine life and act as natural barriers against coastal erosion. The decline in coral health has cascading effects on the entire ecosystem. According to Sarawut Siriwong, dean of the Faculty of Marine Technology at Burapha University, a decrease in marine life means fishermen will need to invest more effort and resources to sustain their catch, potentially driving up seafood prices. “While this coral bleaching affects food security, at the same time, their community income stability is also at stake,” Sarawut noted.
The situation underscores the broader implications of climate change on coastal communities and ecosystems. As marine life dwindles due to rising temperatures, both environmental balance and human livelihoods are jeopardized.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
