Rising sea temperatures spur coral bleaching alerts

A diver swims over coral reefs in Suthep Bay, part of Mu Ko Surin National Park in Phangnga. More than half the reefs show signs of bleaching — a marked increase from previous years — as rising sea temperatures take their toll. (Photo courtesy of DNP)

National park officials are closely monitoring coral reefs in Mu Koh Surin National Park after signs of coral bleaching were detected in several areas.

Atthapol Charoenchansa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said rising sea temperatures have caused corals to bleach and pale, highlighting the growing impact of climate change on Thailand's marine ecosystems.