Sea around Phayam Island now a protected zone

The sea around Phayam Island, in the Andaman Sea off the southern province of Ranong, covering a total of 240 hectares, has been declared a protected zone, in which all kinds of water sports and fishing activities, garbage dumping and discharge of waste water are banned.

According to Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Chalermchai Srion, the declaration of the protected zone, which came into effect on July 1, is an important step in the protection of coastal species in the sea around the island, including corals, sea fans, sea grass and other exotic marine species.

He said shallow coral reefs are in moderate condition and the sea grass is abundant, although some corals have been damaged by diving and fishing activities, garbage dumping and waste water discharges from coastal communities.

Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi, director-general of Marine and Coastal Resources, said that beach chairs and umbrellas are not permitted on public beaches, except in specific areas, adding that all kinds of fishing activities, except by fishing rod, are banned along coral reefs, Yai, Khao Kwai bays and Kham island, which is part of the island group.

Violators can face maximum imprisonment of two years and/or a fine of 200,000 baht if convicted.