Island closed by Thailand!
Koh Pling, or Pling Island, in Thailand, attracts many tourists worldwide. Visitors can walk on the beaches and enjoy the marine life.
Thai authorities have temporarily closed Koh Pling due to mass coral bleaching. The decision was also taken at a time when there are increased temperatures across Thailand and Asia due to a heatwave.
Coral bleaching! What’s that?
Corals are colourful in nature. Corals get their bright colours from symbiotic algae living within them, which help each other survive.
Did you know corals can get stressed? No, not because of exams. But for environmental changes, like rising ocean temperatures.
This causes corals to expel algae, turning them white as if bleached. This can also cause their death.
Climate change is one of the main reasons for coral bleaching, as rising ocean temperatures force corals to expel their algae.
Also, general sunscreens are not good for corals as they contain chemicals that can cause coral bleaching. There are reef-safe sunscreens available as well, but not everyone uses them. This is another reason why the island has been closed to people for some time.
Importance of corals.
Corals form coral reefs that help protect coastlines from storms and erosion by acting as natural barriers that absorb wave force and storm impact, keeping people safe.
Coral reefs provide food for marine animals and attract fish, creating fishing grounds for people. People can catch the fish to eat and sell. It also attracts tourists, helping local businesses.
Coral bleaching can kill corals, affecting the reef ecosystem. However, corals recover from bleaching as temperatures cool down.
By closing the island and limiting human activity in the area, Thailand hopes the coral population will improve.
