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Discover Phuket's Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are, without a doubt, one of the true natural
treasures of our earth. They are home to an enormous variety of
life forms, which is why they are often compared with tropical rainforests.
Coral reefs need sunlight and warm water to exist. As a result,
we only find coral reefs between the 30th parallels north and south
of the equator. The minimum temperature that tropical corals can
exist at is 20 degree C.
Coral reefs are a complex system of uncountable micro-living spaces.
In addition to the visible plants and animals, there are millions
of nearly invisible, microscopic organisms that reside in these
micro-caves and crevices inside of the coral blocks. Also, legions
of tiny creatures called 'zooplankton' live directly above the reef.
These creatures are an essential link in the reef food chain.
The Andaman Sea, which is part of the Indian Ocean, hosts a unique
variety of marine life. More than 3000 different types of fish and
over 500 unique corals have been identified and catalogued to date.
According to experts on this region, there still exists a great
quantity of undiscovered marine life – a challenge for all
underwater photographers to become the first to document and perhaps
even name a new species.
Coral reefs are now facing the threat of massive destruction on
a global scale. Fishing with dynamite and cyanide, specifically
in Indonesia and the Philippines, has destroyed countless reefs
already. As a result of global warming, more and more of the phenomenon
known as 'coral bleaching' is also occurring. When bleaching takes
place, the symbiotic algae in the corals are expelled and the corals
become transparent. When this happens, it becomes possible to see
through to the white limestone underneath, hence the name 'coral
bleaching'. Most of the corals will eventually recover from the
bleaching, but if the warmer water temperatures last too long, the
corals will be destroyed forever.
A further danger facing coral reef ecosystems is the increase of
tourism. Millions of people worldwide spend their leisure time around,
on or in the ocean. Many reefs show extensive damage from boat anchoring
and pollution. DIVE ASIA is a leading proponent of reef preservation,
and has made protection of coral reefs one of our highest
priorities. During all of our dive excursions, customers are fully
briefed that no touching of any organism is permitted, and diving
gloves are not allowed. The collection of any 'souvenirs' under
water is also prohibited. During diving courses, one of our
primary focuses is continuous buoyancy control. Diving occurs in
small groups, under the guidance of a dive professional. Coral reefs
need our help if we are to continue to enjoy them.
In this Andaman Sea Reef Guide, we can't possibly present all the
fish and coral that inhabit this region. We have limited this guide
to marine life forms which are often encountered while diving in
the Andaman Sea. As well, we've include some of the special 'regulars'
of Phuket - life forms that you can see here more often than in
other dive destinations. We've also included some masters of camouflage,
which may require a trained eye to recognize.
Happy Exploring!
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