Last Update : Monday 22 January, 2001 4:50 AM
Last Update : Monday 22 January, 2001 4:50 AM |
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Research Survey Report
Survey Report in Mu Ko Surin Marine National Park Area Presented to UNESCO Project
Last Year (1999) our Sea Papa Team went to survey in Mu Ko Surin Marine National Park by the supported funds of UNESCO Project. The fields of research are coral reef condition, distribution of giant clams and distribution of edible invertebrates.
Survey of Coral Reef Condition in Mu Ko Surin Marine National Park Area
Coral reefs found in Mu Ko Surin Marine National Park area were fringing reef types as well as other coral reefs in Thailand. By the survey method of Lifeform Transect, in order to study the primary abundance of the coral reefs between December 1999 to April 2000, it was found that the most abundant coral reef areas were around Ko Torinla and Ao Jaak, where the coral reef abundance was in very good level. Whereas, the most deteriorated coral reef area was found in Ao Suthep area, where the coral reef abundance was in very poor level, which might be caused by El nino phenomenon in 1999.
Coral reef condition found during the survey period was a lot more deteriorated than that found in the past. The main causes were from the use of human beings by tourism, fishery, and Sea Gypsy life style, including natural occurrences such as an El ninõ phenomenon and a change in water quality. However, some coral reefs were still in good condition, especially, the coral reef at Ko Torinla, which an effective management was applied by declaration as a protected area in the national park.
Survey of Distribution of Giant Clams in Mu Ko Surin Marine National Park Area
Giant clams are large bivalve molluscs. Eight species are found all over the world. Five of them have been reported in Thailand but, at present, there are only 3 species left which are Tridacna crocea, Tridacna maxima, and Tridacna squamosa. The study at Surin Islands was conducted to survey the Distribution of all 3 Giant clam species. The Circle Sampling method was developed to specifically survey Giant clams’ population. During survey period from December 1999 to April 2000, it was found that the most population of Giant clams was in Ao Jaak, North Surin Island area, but the least population was in Ao Mai Ngam, North Surin Island area. The Giant clam Tridacna crocea was the most found in Surin Islands and Tridacna squamosa was found the least.
Comparing the survey results all over Thailand, the giant clams that found in Surin Islands area were less than those in Ko Man Nai, Royong Province. But they were more than those found in many other islands of Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, such as Similan, Pang-Nga Province, and Ko Taen, Suratthani Province.
As the result of the study on the possibility of spawning and rearing Giant clams in Surin Islands area, it showed that there was a strong possibility to do it. Five large Giant clams of Tridacna squamosa were transferred, and they were all still alive throughout the study period (5 months). There were 4 bays that were suitable for spawning and rearing Giant clams. To spawn and raise clams, their broodstocks should be brought from Surin Islands, and given to Seashore Fishery Development Center, Klong Waan, Department of Fisheries. Giant clam larvae would be spawned and raised before bringing back to Surin Islands. Sea Gypsies could also take part in taking care of Giant clams in several ways, including bringing nursed juvenile clams back to drop in coral reef areas around Mu Ko Surin National Park.
Survey of Distribution of Edible Invertebrates in Mu Ko Surin Marine National Park Area
The survey method of edible invertebrates was adapted from Quadrat Method and snorkeling was used to survey. From the survey results, 29 species from 5 phylum of edible invertebrates were found. The invertebrates that could be eaten without affecting numbers of populations in nature were jellyfishes, polychates, crabs, bivalves, and cephalopods except for octopuses.
Invertebrates that were in threatened situation were sea cucumbers. Since the population of sea cucumbers in Reef Flat area was very low, compared to the report of Thon Thamrongnavasawat in 1994. Catching and selling a large amount of sea cucumbers in the last 2 or 3 years were probably the main reasons. It was recommended that sea cucumbers should not be taken for any kind of uses. They had to be strictly preserved in all conditions, and let the nature recover itself.
Summary
From all studies, it can be concluded that Coral reefs in some areas of Surin Islands are still abundant. The effective management that has been applied such as in Ko Torinla should be continued in the same way. However, in some areas, further studies should be done as follows:
Ao Suthep - Causes and changes of deteriorated coral reefs should be studied
Ao Jaak - Changes of coral reefs should be closely followed up
Ao Tao - Effects of tourism, especially boats running to the beach, should be studied
For Sea Gypsies management, it is suggested that Sea Gypsies could bring some invertebrates, as reported, to make foods except for some animals, especially sea cucumbers, which has been a lot decreased. Catching for eating and selling should be strictly prohibited.
Picture : Conclusions of This Time Studies, UNESCO Project
Four-sided Frame Area - Protected Area
Red Circle Spot Area - Suitable Area for Spawning and Rearing Giant Clams
White Star Area - Very Abundance Coral Reef Area
? Area - Further Information Needed Area
For management on Giant clams, it is recommended to contact Department of Fisheries in order to bring Giant clam Larvae to spawn and raise in the national park’s recommended areas by hiring Sea Gypsies to help in this activity. However, study in detail should be done again.
Nowadays, the national park has hired Sea Gypsies for tourism to be, for example, boat drivers which should be kept hiring. Moreover, Sea Gypsies should be supported to get more chances in tourist industries related works. However, it is necessary to think about the possibility and the safety of tourists also.
Surveyors Team
All of our team come from Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsarty University. As names listed below :
Thon Thamrongnavasawat, Ph.D. Project Leader Anuwat Saisaeng Coral Reef Condition Surveyor Narongpon Sittithaweepat Giant Clam Surveyor Parinya Limviriyakul Edible Invertebrate Surveyor Suchai Worachananant Data Compiler Opas Patimanukasem Data Collector
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