Similan Marine Life – Turtles

We are very fortunate to have some very sites for viewing turtles here in the Similans. We have four main varieties that nest in the area – Leatherback, Green Sea, Hawksbill and Ridley’s. But only two species that we see frequently while diving or snorkeling – the Green Sea Turtle and Hawksbill.

Sadly they are in a pretty sad state due to fishing techniques, pollution (plastic bags and cigarette butts), loss of habitat and egg poaching. Almost all nesting grounds in the Gulf of Thailand are gone and even “Turtle Island” hasn’t had a nesting turtle in more than a decade.

This region is still quite rich in turtle nesting beaches and is home to two of the most active hatcheries in Thailand – Similan Island #1 is a preserve and hatchery, and the Royal Navy has a hatchery and marine conservation center based at the local Port. This is quite good as the whole project is under the guidance and support of Princess Chulaborn. So it is well supported and thought of quite highly by the everyone inside and outside of the conservation community. HEre is much more about her program from the Tourist Authority of Thailand Website

THE PRINCESS CHULABHORN 36 MARINE PARK PROJECT &
CHULABHORN MARINE PARK CONSERVATORY CENTER

The Princess Chulabhorn 36 Marine Park Project aims to protect coral and marine vegetation in the Andaman Sea, protect forests on Similan, Surin, Bon and Tachai islands, and create public awareness and appreciation of nature.

The Project was initiated by the Chulabhorn Research Institute, the Royal Thai Navy and government and private sector agencies including the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants, the Department of Fisheries, Phang-nga Province, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Siam Commercial Bank, to honour the Princess on the occasion of Her Royal Highness’s 36th birthday.

Marine patrols by Navy staff serve to discourage unsustainable fishing practices and prevent the capture of marine fish for the pet trade.

The naval unit also provides assistance to tourists such as in the case of medical emergencies arising in the course of their travels in the Andaman Sea.

Intensive 6-week dive training courses are provided to state officials with direct responsibilities for marine conservation. Each year a 14-day “Scuba Divers for Marine Resources Conservation” is offered to volunteers. Eight classes have been conducted since 1997. Graduates are involved in the deployment of mooring buoys and coral reef markers, and diving buoys to safeguard against damage to coral reefs.

With the coordination of international dive operators, almost 300 mooring buoys were set in 2002-3 with more planned for reefs in the provinces of Krabi, Trang and Satun. Maps featuring coral outcrops and locations of buoys and markers are drawn up.

The project also encourages officials in communities that benefit economically from marine resources to participate in ecotourism and conservation initiatives, so the resources are sustainable.

Finally, a sea turtle hatchery is managed by the Royal Thai Navy. An important nesting beach for Green turtles lies on Yu Yong Island (Similan Island No. 1). Eggs are harvested from the island, and hatched in controlled conditions, for later release at other degraded sites.

Established in 1993, the Project is based at the Third Naval Unit at Thai Muang, Phang-nga Province.

THE PRINCESS CHULABHORN 36 MARINE PARK PROJECT
(PHANG-NGA) &
CHULABHORN MARINE PARK CONSERVATORY CENTRE
Moo 5 Ban Taplamu, Amphoe Thai Muang, Phang-nga Province 82210, Thailand
Tel: Tel: 66-(0)-7659-5169 to 70

THE ROYAL THAI NAVY TURTLE CONSERVATION CENTRE (HATCHERY)
Third Naval Unit, the Naval Operations Unit, of the Royal Thai Navy
Phang-nga Naval Base
Tel: Tel: 66-(0)-7659-5169 to 70