Before and after the tsunami

Prior to the tsunami the coral reef at Koh Pring (Phra Thong Island) was home to a good diversity of species and some very well established coral colonies. Although not primarily used for fishing, the reef provided local income through tourism and was an important nursery and known feeding ground for endangered hawksbill turtles.

In 2004, a preliminary survey of the reef was conducted (using Reef Check methodology) providing baseline information about the reef (size, species abundance and distribution) and it's potential threats, namely fishing and tourism. The project provided training for local people, lessons at local schools and promoted conservation awareness at the resorts.

On December 26th , all of the projects facilities, research equipment, educational material and information centre were completely washed away. Two of the villages on the island, with whom Naucrates worked closely, suffered greatly and many lives were lost.

In January 2006 the conservation project was re-established for its 10 th season at Koh Phra Thong focusing on the turtle nesting population, mangrove forest restoration, an environmental education programme and its second coral reef survey at Koh Pring.

The tsunami had a devastating effect on some areas of this reef and now its biggest threat is all the unstable material, algae and sediment now covering the substrate. However, during the survey, healthy coral colonies (some very large), were seen scattered throughout the area and associated animals were observed in greater numbers than last year thus offering hope for successful re-colonisation.

Naucrates propose a rehabilitation project in which the introduction of restoration modules (artificial reefs) in the severely damaged areas will provide a stable anchoring place for larval recruits and aid re-growth. Community involvement is important in this project and Naucrates would provide training for local people to manage and protect the reef environment, a resource on which they base their livelihoods. Further monitoring and repeat surveys will provide interesting results in the future and will help to work towards protection of the area.

More details can be found in the final reports:

Dilkes, E. and Aureggi, M.. (2004) . Preliminary survey of the coral reef at Pring island (Phra Thong Island – Thailand). Naucrates Final Report.

Dilkes, E. and Aureggi, M.. (2006) . Preliminary survey of the coral reef at Pring island (Phra Thong Island – Thailand). Naucrates Final Report

PROJECT LEADER: Emma Dilkes