Coastal regions in Rayong now safeguarded by new zoning, aiming to protect local biodiversity
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has announced the creation of new marine and coastal protection zones around Koh Phayam, Koh Kham, and Koh Nui in Ranong province. This initiative aims to safeguard the area's rich biodiversity, which includes moderately healthy shallow coral reefs, seagrass beds, and rare marine species.
The new regulation, effective for five years, has been enforced by Minister Chalermchai Sri-on and outlines specific restrictions for four designated zones.
Zone 1 extends to the land areas from the shoreline on the three islands. Activities such as littering, discharging wastewater, or causing sediment runoff into the sea are strictly prohibited. The use of beach furniture like umbrellas is banned except in designated areas, and vehicles on the beach must follow specific guidelines.
In Zone 2, all water sports, recreational activities, fishing (except rod-and-line fishing), and anchoring near reefs are banned in coastal waters up to the coral reefs. This zone is intended to protect the coastal waters from the harmful effects of tourism, fishing, and industrial activity, which have recently led to coral death and the degradation of marine resources.
Zone 3 prohibits waste dumping and wastewater discharge in seagrass beds and adjacent areas. Activities that harm seagrass ecosystems or disturb rare marine species are also banned, and certain fishing gear, such as trawl nets, is prohibited.
In Zone 4, all harmful activities, including dumping waste, are illegal in open sea areas adjacent to Zones 2 and 3 within the defined GPS points. Specific reef areas in Ao Pip, Ao Korkiew, Ao Yai, Ao Khao Kwai, and around Koh Kham are strictly protected.
The penalties for violating these measures in the protected zones can result in punishment, including imprisonment for up to two years, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both.
While the specific penalties for violating these regulations are not detailed in the available information, the enforcement is expected to be stringent to ensure compliance and protect the environment. The success of these measures will depend on consistent enforcement and possibly international cooperation to support global environmental targets.
The protected zone covers a total of 240 hectares around Phayam Island, highlighting the government's commitment to preserving the marine environment in the Andaman Sea off Ranong.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in addition to the marine and coastal protection measures, plans to integrate educational programs focusing on health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and climate-change awareness within local schools and communities around Koh Phayam, Koh Kham, and Koh Nui. This effort aims to foster environmental stewardship among the residents and visitors, supporting the long-term sustainability and health of the protected regions.
In line with the ministry's vision to promote environmental science, research stations could be established within the protected zones, enabling scientists to conduct studies on topics such as climate change's impact on the coastal ecosystem and the preservation of rare marine species. By generating valuable data and fostering a deeper understanding of the region's environmental challenges, these studies can contribute to improving the overall health and wellbeing of the marine and coastal environments in Ranong province.
