Trang building more artificial coral reef

Trang is planning to lay the basis of more than 1,700 little artificial coral reefs in the Andaman Sea in March at a cost of 10 million baht.

Deputy Trang Governor Chaiyos Thongchai said  the coastal area along the Andaman Sea is rich with natural resources, particularly the coral reefs, which are not only a habitat for aquatic life but also a tourist attraction that generates much revenue.

However, over-fishing was putting huge pressure on the natural reef system, he said. Because of this, the Trang provincial administration is planning to create artificial coral reefs to boost marine life populations.

In 2012, the administration received 10 million baht from the Department of Fisheries and Department of Marine and Coastal Resources to produce more than 1,700 artificial reef starters which will be placed in the sea in March.

 The year, Trang province also received additional funding for a study of artificial reefs for future projects, with participation from communities, he said.