The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) explained in a Facebook post that officials received an alert from local divers, who spotted discarded fishing nets on the artificial reef in the Ran Gai Bay on Racha Noi.
The divers stressed that marine trash could pose a threat to both marine wildlife and recreational divers visiting Ao Rang Gai to enjoy nature on their Phuket vacation.
An underwater cleanup involving DMCR staff and volunteer divers was organised in response. Diving boat MV Friendship and Pinraksa speedboat joined the effort to provide support to those working in the deep.
“About 800kg of trash were collected and two sea turtle scales were found near the net pile. All collected scraps of nets were transported ashore and disposed of in proper manner,” DMCR said.
“These activities are aimed at conserving and restoring marine and coastal resources as well as maintaining their integrity. We promote environmentally friendly marine tourism and continue to make use of natural marine resources in a balanced and sustainable manner,” the agency added.
The underwater cleanup on Oct 13 was the second DMCR event at Racha Islands, a diving paradise 20km south of Rawai Pier. On Oct 12 the agency reported that a new diving spot was set up at Racha Yai by sinking an unused tourist boat at a depth of 24 metres in Ao Tue Bay.