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The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has reported the finding of a new coral reef off the coast of Thailand . Reportedly in pristine condition, the reef is being hailed as a major find by environmentalists. Discovered by local fishermen in January of this year, the reef is located off Phang-Nga, a southern Thai province. |
| A team of WWF divers later confirmed the discovery. A WWF statement suggested, "Initial rapid surveys have identified over 270 hectares of previously unknown, relatively healthy reefs." Songpol Tippayawong, Head of the WWF Thailand Marine and Coastal Conservation Unit said, "I believe discussions with fishermen over a wider area will lead us to discover even more important reefs, not yet mapped or protected by the authorities." He added, "This reef is easily accessible to dive operators from nearby Khao Lak, and if managed properly can become a prominent local dive site while also contributing an important source of income to the local community." |
| With a United Nations report suggesting 30 percent of the world's reefs are severely damaged, the news of the new reef has come as a major boon to an area where pollution, global warming and human interference have had an adverse impact on existing coral. Reefs in the area were also badly affected by the 2004 tsunami. |
