Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Marine biota ranging from coral reefs to fish on the east coast of Thailand is facing an alarming regional heat wave.
According to reports Reuters, Sea levels in eastern Thailand reached a record high this month amid a regional heatwave, worrying scientists and local communities.
Once vibrant and colorful corals about five meters (16 feet) underwater have turned white in a phenomenon known as coral bleaching, a sign that their health is deteriorating due to higher water temperatures, the researchers said. scientist.
Sea surface temperatures in the East Gulf of Thailand reached 32.73°C earlier this month, while underwater temperatures were slightly warmer, with dive computers showing around 33°C, the data showed.
“I couldn't find a single healthy coral,” said marine biologist Lalita Putchim of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) after completing a dive off the bay's coast.
“Almost all species experience bleaching, only a few are not affected,” he added.
The Trat Archipelago has more than 66 islands, with coral reefs covering more than 28.4 square kilometers (2,841 hectares), where Lalita found that 30% of the coral reefs were bleached and 5% were dead.
If the water temperature is not cold, more corals will die, Lalita said.
“This is a global warming boil, not just regular global warming,” he said.
Rising temperatures also impact other marine life and the livelihoods of local fishermen including Sommay from Singsura.
In recent years, its daily seafood catch has decreased. Previously he was able to earn up to 10,000 baht ($275) a day, but now he sometimes returns empty-handed.
“There used to be mackerel, and many others… But now the situation is not good. The weather is not like before,” complained Sommay.
Coral reefs are a source of food and habitat for marine life, as well as a natural barrier that prevents coastal erosion, scientists say.
If bleaching causes a reduction in marine life, fishermen will have to spend more money to get their catch, which could lead to an increase in selling prices, said Sarawut Siriwong, dean of the faculty of Marine Technology at Burapha University.
“Even though this (coral bleaching) will affect food security, at the same time, (the community's) income stability is also at stake,” he said.
[Gambas:Video CNBC]
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