Last Update : Tuesday 23 January, 2001 1:01 AM
Last Update : Tuesday 23 January, 2001 1:01 AM |
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The Superb Coral Reef
It is not overstatement to say that here is the utmost coral reef. From the survey of the Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University showing that the coral reef here is;
The largest…From the beach to the edge of coral reef, it is about 1,200 meters wide, wider than any coral reefs in Thailand.
The most superior development…The coral reef here is in Blue Hole or deep hole form found only the coral reef that develop for several thousands years. It happened because the present coral reef piled up the past reef that it collapsed to be a hole in some areas like Ao Chong Kaad and Ao Mae Yaai. It is estimated that the coral reef in Mu Ko Surin area ages not less than 8,000 years.
The most diversity…In Ko Torinla area, 288 species of fishes were found (in 1999). Compared to other coral reef areas in the similar area size that have been surveyed, Mu Ko Surin is the most superior. Moreover, a lot of marine animals are found here as the first record such as 23 species of nudibranchs, 11 species of crustaceans and so on.
Coral reef in large bay is the coral reef in a bay at about 300 meters wide or more. Inside is next to the shore of shallow bay. It is the habitat of massive corals and branching corals. Some seagrasses may be found on the sand floor. In the next area is found more corals; till the edge of the reef, there are more various corals. Then, it steep slopes down to the floor at the depth of 20-30 meters; for example, in the area of Ao Chong Kaad, Ao Mai Ngam, Ao Sai Ane, Ao Suthep, and Ao Jaak.
In this form of coral reef, there are few currents and waves so it is safe enough for snorkeling, but the diversity of marine animals is lower than the second type, particularly large animals.
Coral reef by the side of the islands is a narrow coral reef next to the islands of only about 100-200 meters wide. At the coastal side are found dead corals mixed with sand. Next is several types of corals especially Acropola branching corals and Foliose corals. At the edge of the reef are found various corals; massive corals are found. Then, it steep slopes down to the floor at the depth of 20-30 meters. At the end of the reef are probably found soft corals and sea fans; for example, in the area of Ao Tao, Ao Pak Kaad, Ko Torinla, etc.
In this form of coral reef are found numerous marine animals. Sometimes, large creatures like sharks and Hawksbill turtles may be found. However, it may occur wave and current so it has to be careful on safety.
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