Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Ecotourism Activities» 23
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The Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism - Ecotourism Activities is prepared by the Marine National Park Division, the Royal Forest Department, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand. This is to encourage foreigners coming to Thailand to learn various techniques for the study of tropical marine ecology, which, for them, is rarely experienced. The information has been prepared by experienced professionals in marine national park tourism, with an emphasis on activities that are interesting and easy to do, particularly for youth groups. Since information might change, we recommend readers to contact the Marine National Park Division directly or search for more information from Internet websites such as www.forest.go.th, www. tat.or.th and www.talaythai.com. The Royal Forest Department would like to thank all those interested in marine nature tourism in Thailand. We hope the handbook will be useful in proving the beauty of Thailand s coasts when making trips by yourselves. Thank you Marine National Park Division, The Royal Forest Department, Thailand Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Ecotourism Activities» 1
2 «Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Ecotourism Activities
A coral reef is an ecosystem with very high biodiversity. It can categorically stated that there is nowhere better in the oceans for finding so many animals than as in a coral reef. Coral reefs in the tropical zone, especially the Indo-Pacific area, are regarded as the most diverse in the world. Therefore, it is not surprising that you can find ten times more animals such as corals, fish, and shellfish in Thailand s seas than those of the Caribbean or Atlantic Ocean. In Thailand, there are nearly 200 km 2 of coral reefs, most of which are located in marine national parks both in the Gulf of Thailand (Ao Thai) and the Andaman Sea. The diversity of geographical and environmental characteristics means that the coral reefs in the Gulf of Thailand (part of the South China Sea, located in the largest ocean in the world, the Pacific Ocean) differ from the reefs in the Andaman Sea (part of the Indian Ocean - the smallest ocean in the world). Data indicates that the coral reefs in the Andaman Sea contain higher biodiversity than those in the Gulf of Thailand. However, some animals in the Gulf of Thailand cannot be found in the Andaman Sea, for instance the Beaked Butterflyfish. Therefore, taking trips to learn about coral reefs in Thailand is fun and very interesting. We recommend you try comparing the coral reefs of these two shores at sites such as Ko Samui and Ko Phuket, in order to learn authentically about one of the most diverse seas in the world. THAI CORAL REEFS Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Ecotourism Activities» 3
Activity Aim Time Recommended destination Technique required Two Different Coasts To compare fish species in the two coasts of Thailand As appropriate for a visit to a marine national park in both the Andaman and the Gulf Surin Islands & Chang or Chumphon Islands Snorkelling Some fish in the Gulf of Thailand (Ao Thai) cannot be found in the Andaman Sea, whilst many species in the Andaman Sea cannot be found in the Gulf. We suggest you observe anemonefish and butterflyfish because the species of these two families can be identified by their unique patterns and colors. Skunk Anemonefish and Pink Anemonefish are very similar, but Pink Anemonefish have a white line on their cheeks. They can be found all over the Gulf of Thailand, but not in the Andaman Sea ; whereas, Skunk Anemone-fish can only be found in the Andaman. Beaked Butterflyfish usually live in pairs and are likewise found in the coral reefs of the Gulf, but not in the Andaman. However, many species of butterflyfish, such as the Raccoon Butterflyfish, are found only in the Andaman Sea. How many species of fish can you find only in the Andaman, but not in the Gulf? 4 «Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Ecotourism Activities
The Basking Shark Did you know that the largest fish that human beings have ever known can be found frequently in Thailand s seas? Whale Sharks, a species of shark, probably grow more than 12 meters in length and more than 11 tons in weight. They are one of three sharks in the world that feed on plankton. They can be seen in all the seas of the world, but what s surprising is that Whale Sharks are often seen in Thailand. The underwater rocks near Ko Tao - Suratthani, Richeliew Rocks near Mu Ko Surin National Park, Phang-Nga, and Hin Muang- Hin Daeng Rocks in Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Krabi are areas where Whale Sharks are often found. Sometimes, more than one can be seen at the same time. There are many SCUBA diving tour operators to take you to these areas. You can contact them from Phuket ; a round trip takes 2-3 days. Compared to many other countries, diving trips to see Whale Sharks in Thailand are very inexpensive, yet safe and comfortable. THE LARGEST FISH IN THE WORLD Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Ecotourism Activities» 5
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Activity Aim Time Recommended destination Technique required The largest fish in the world To watch a Whale Shark At least 3 days Surin Islands, Lanta Islands, Tao Islands SCUBA diving If you cannot yet dive, Thailand is a good place to start this enjoyable activity, which will take you into the underwater blue world, home of the largest fish in the world. You can choose to learn and finish diving couse within a few days with some of the world s cheapest instructors at Ko Tao, a small island in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand, or at Phuket, the world famous pearl of Andaman. Once trained, you can study in more detail and then contact any of the diving tour agencies that have permission from the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Royal Forest Department, who will give you the chance to enter the areas that Whale Sharks are found. You may not be lucky at the first or second dive, but with a little effort, you will have an unexpected experience sooner or later. Suddenly, a several meters long fish swims nearby and passes you, seen only as a giant black shadow in the middle of the water. That will be an experience that you will never forget! Whale Sharks in the Gulf of Thailand can be seen frequently between July and August, the most suitable time to dive there, whilst in the Andaman Sea, they can be found from December to May. Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Ecotourism Activities» 7
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A beach and a coral reef are inseparable ecosystems. When you walk from land to sea, the first habitat found is the beach. It may be a rocky beach or sandy beach. Further out, if appropriate environmental conditions allow, you will find a coral reef, vast or narrow depending on the geographical characteristics of that area. Ghost Crabs on a beach may become food for some of the animals in a coral reef. In reverse, Pacific Reef Egrets leave the beach at low tide to forage for prey living in the coral reef. Sea turtles lay their eggs on a sandy beach, and many species use the reef for their feeding grounds. These complicated interactions support their lives and link them together as both hunters and prey, and in both support and dependency. All the coral reefs of Thailand are Fringing Reefs, connected to beaches. We do not find Barrier Reefs like those in Australia or Atolls such as in the Maldives. However, this doesn t mean that the coral reefs in Thailand contain fewer marine animals, yet it mean you spend less time and money as there is no need to travel for long distances. FROM A BEACH TO A REEF Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Ecotourism Activities» 9
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Activity Aim Time Recommended destination Technique required From the shore to the sea To categorize a coral reef 2 hours at low tide Any coral reef Walking and snorkeling As the tide starts falling, you should walk out from the beach and look around. All over, you may find tiny animals such as Ghost Crabs foraging. Observe their shapes and behaviors. Ghost Crabs are found almost exclusively on sandy beaches. They have tall eyes to look around and watch out. Their sandy colored shells disguise them on the beach. Long and pointed legs are suitable for running quickly over the sand. Normally Ghost Crabs will run into their burrows when in danger but if caught off guard, they may run into the sea. The lower beach is a wet sandy area next to the seawater. This area is the habitat of several molluscs such as Wedge Shells and small conches. Sometimes, you may find broken coral scattered around. When you walk out a little further, you will actually reach the coral reef itself. The first area encountered is the Reef Flat, located in intertidal area. During high tide, this area may be flooded to a depth of 1-1.5 meters (in the Gulf) or 2-3 meters (in the Andaman). At that time many fish will come to feed ; for example, parrotfish, rays, or even Juvenile Blacktip Sharks. However, During low tide, these animals swim back to deeper areas, and leave the reef flat as a habitat of small animals. In some areas, there may be a sub-ecosystem, Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Ecotourism Activities» 11
of seagrass for example. There are 12 species of seagrass in Thailand. Seagrass is the diet of Dugongs, nearly extinct marine mammals, and cousins of elephants. Seagrass Beds are also the egg laying and spawning grounds for several species of marine animals. The sandy floor of a reef flat is habitat for numerous species of sea cucumber. These animals are related to sea stars and sea urchins. They feed on small organic detritus material. If disturbed, some sea cucumbers will expela white sticky substance, which helps frighten their enemies into retreat. The further you move away from the shore, the more corals you find. If you observe the characteristics of these corals, you will realize that there are not so many species. This is because of limiting environmental factors. Do you know what the factors are? Heat and hot sunlight makes the water temperature rather high ; sometimes it makes the water saltier. On the other hand, if it rains, the salinity decreases very quickly. Sediments are another factor that allow only some species of corals survive. Most of these corals are flat since at low tide, they emerge above sea level meaning they cannot grow vertically. If you turn up dead corals, you will find tiny animals living in or under them such as Mantis Shrimps and small crabs. These animals are unable to withstand heat and strong sunlight ; moreover, they have to breathe underwater. Therefore, the tiny ponds found under dead corals are a suitable habitat for them to live in as the tide falls. We ask you only one thing, which is that you should place the dead corals back in there former positions. Don t leave them turned up ; otherwise, the tiny animals found under the coral may die. 12 «Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Ecotourism Activities
As you approach the outer wave front, you reach the end of the reef flat, which is connected to the reef edge. The sea level is higher and there are more species of corals. Sometimes, schools of fish pass by. At the edge of this area, you will find large, but dead, massive corals. How do you think this situation arises? The wave front zone is the area suffering from the most serious wind and wave action. Sometimes, during a storm, waves may dislodge large but unstable corals and pile them up in this area forming a ridge of broken corals which helps reduce further wind and wave damage. Sometimes they pile up so high that they can be clearly seen above sea level. Continuing from this area, you should use snorkelling equipment. Wearing the mask swim along the inner side of the wave front. Corals found here show strong characteristics since they are frequently subjected to serious wind and wave action. These sub-massive corals Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Ecotourism Activities» 13
have short but thick branches, which helps them to survive. Swim over the reef edge by following the small channel formed by the rising and falling of the tides. You are now in the area of highest coral diversity. We call this area the Upper Reef Slope. A water depth of 2-5 meters is the most suitable for snorkelling. What reasons do you think make the corals in this area so diverse? The mass of deep water reduces the strength of winds and waves, but the currents are still strong enough to form water circulation, bringing in food elements and taking out wastes. Optimum light levels encourage corals to grow well. The competition to occupy space and receive sunlight occurs over almost every square inch. Everywhere can be found many forms of corals such as massive, sub-massive and tabulate. They become habitats of many species of marine animals, some of which may need special forms of corals to live in. Tubeworms are small animals that make holes in the corals for habitation. They usually choose massive corals. Butterflyfish have long mouths suitable for insertion into branching corals in order to feed on the coral bodies inside. Butterflyfish also have flat bodies, enabling them to hide well within species such as Staghorn Corals ; therefore, in areas with many Staghorn Corals we find several species of butterflyfish. 14 «Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Ecotourism Activities
Ask yourself how the animals you find relate to the several forms of corals. The last zone of a coral reef is called the Lower Reef Slope. The lower light levels allow only a few species of corals to survive. This area is the habitat of soft corals and sea fans, which need less light. They grow in meadows creating a colorful underwater world. If you have SCUBA diving equipment, you will find an unbelievable spectacle. The meadows of soft corals and sea fans of many islands in the Andaman Sea are famous the world over. The seas of the Gulf of Thailand are generally more turbid than those of the Andaman. Coral reefs in national park areas end at a depth of 5-10 meters. In the Andaman Sea, coral reefs can be found at a depth of 30 meters. Large marine animals, like rays and sharks, usually forage in these areas. The coral reef is a world where you can find never-ending new experiences. There is no diving that is not fun so long as you make observations. Take notes, gather information, draw fish, crabs and so on, and compare several areas around Thailand, till you find that there is much more than you had ever thought! In the coral reefs of the Andaman Sea are more than 250 species of corals and 800 species of fish. You may see more than 200 species of fish in an hour s snorkeling at the coral reefs of the Surin Islands. Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Ecotourism Activities» 15
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Mangrove forests are a tropical ecosystem, a habitat of land animals, birds, reptiles and marine animals. Thailand used to have numerous mangrove forests, but problems arising from the rapid development of agriculture and industry destroyed and reduced their area. Today, the largest and most diverse mangrove forests are found in the several marine national parks, particularly on the Andaman coast, such as Ao Phang-Nga and Laemson. Mangrove forests are different from land forests in environmental characteristics, flora and fauna, and other factors, so you have the chance to have a new experience. Taking a trip into many of the mangrove forests in Thailand can be enjoyed at the same time as going to see the beauty of the seashore and the sea grottos by use of sea canoes. FOREST OF THE SHORELINE Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Ecotourism Activities» 17
Activity Aim Time Recommended destination Technique required Sea Canoe Adventure To enter mangrove forests and grottos Half to one day Ao Phang-Nga, Krabi, Had Chao Mai, and Mu Ko Ang Tong Sea canoeing The sea canoe was brought into Thailand just a few years ago but it is increasingly popular because it is a suitable mode of transport for exploring the mangrove forests. The boat doesn t have an engine, it enables you to get closer to birds and animals, and is convenient for navigating through small areas. You can hire sea canoes in several marine national parks of Thailand, or you can join one of the tour services now operating in many areas. The things that you should take include sun block, sunglasses, binoculars, and camera with waterproof plastic bag. When taking a trip by sea canoe, you can choose to paddle by yourself or let a guide paddle for you. However, in some areas, you need to strictly obey the guide s instructions, and must not paddle unguided even though you maybe a skillful paddler. Safe passage can only be found by those who know the area very well. Almost all sea canoe tours will take you to mangrove forests during high tide. Most of the trees in the forests are of the mangrove family. 18 «Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Ecotourism Activities
What special characteristics do they have that are different from general land trees? Mangroves are pioneer plants in mangrove forests. They have long seedpods, which start to sprout when still on the trees. When they drop off, they stick in to the mud, and rapidly grow. Mangroves have long aerial prop roots to prevent them from falling in the muddy substrate. The upper leaf surface of mangroves is glossy to prevent evaporation of water and to keep the balance of mineral salts. There are also more than 72 other species of plants in the mangrove forests of Thailand. How does each species adapt itself to live in mangrove forests? Some islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea are formed of limestone, which have stood against the action of wind and wave for a long time. The easily eroded limestone forms several features. Some islands are labyrinths of sea grottos. The crashing waves form sea notches under the islands. Sometimes, due to the weight of trees, the upper roof of the islands collapses and forms a characteristic lagoon connected to the sea through the grottos. Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Ecotourism Activities» 19
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Many grottos can be paddled through by using sea canoes at low tide. The grotto mouth may be only 1-2 feet high. You must lie down in the boat in order to be able to pass the mouth of the cave but once inside the grotto, you will find a vast open space. Some host bats, and some contain stalactites and stalagmites. Keep paddling several more minutes in the dark before coming out again to the brilliant sunlight of a hidden lagoon. Here, the world is peaceful, the forest is very dense, and has never been disturbed by the hands of human beings. Birds and bats are everywhere, creating a small peaceful kingdom, with no relationship to the outside world. We are only visiting guests passing through. Keep these moving feelings, and understand the greatness of nature before returning and without disturbing that world. Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Ecotourism Activities» 21
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