A plankton bloom has turned parts of Thailand’s Ko Lan coastline bright green after heavy rain and warmer seas, keeping some tourists out of the water and raising concerns about marine life.
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A plankton bloom has turned parts of the sea around Thailand’s popular island of Ko Lan bright green. The unusual colour has made some tourists avoid swimming. Heavy rain and warm sea temperatures may have contributed to the bloom.
According to Reuters, green patches appeared along parts of the island’s coastline in the Gulf of Thailand this week. Some areas were unaffected, but the green water kept visitors away from several beaches.
Arvut Munhapon, a senior researcher at Burapha University’s Institute of Marine Science, said the colour came from a type of plankton called Noctiluca. His team is collecting water samples to identify the species and check water quality.
Plankton blooms are a natural occurrence. However, warmer seas, fertiliser runoff and wastewater rich in nutrients can encourage them to grow quickly. Heavy rainfall can also wash nutrients into the sea.
The concern is not just the colour of the water. When large amounts of plankton die, their decomposition uses up oxygen in the sea. This can cause hypoxia, a condition in which oxygen levels fall too low for some marine life to survive.
Anukul Buranapratheprat, deputy director of the institute, said oxygen depletion in the inner Gulf of Thailand had become more severe. He also raised concerns about a low-oxygen zone that could threaten marine life on the seabed.
Monsoon conditions and El Niño may be contributing to the problem, but researchers say more work is needed to confirm the link.
The green water has also affected businesses on Ko Lan. Beach vendors have reported fewer customers, as some tourists choose to visit areas where the water remains clear. One visitor from Chiang Mai told Reuters she stayed out of the sea because she feared developing a skin rash.
Why This Matters
The bloom has raised concerns about marine life and the island’s tourism trade. Researchers are examining whether changing weather patterns and nutrient pollution are contributing to the problem.
Business Honor observes that the situation around Ko Lan highlights the impact that changes in coastal water quality can have on marine ecosystems and local businesses.
FAQs
What caused the green water around Ko Lan?
Researchers identified a type of plankton called Noctiluca as the source of the unusual colour. Heavy rain and warmer sea temperatures may have contributed to the bloom.
Where is Ko Lan located?
Ko Lan is a tourist island in the Gulf of Thailand, near Pattaya.
How can a plankton bloom affect marine life?
When large amounts of plankton die and decompose, they consume oxygen in the water. This can cause hypoxia, which threatens marine organisms.
What is causing concern about oxygen levels in the Gulf of Thailand?
Researchers have raised concerns about worsening oxygen depletion in parts of the inner Gulf. Further research is needed to establish the factors contributing to the problem.
How has the plankton bloom affected tourism?
Some tourists have avoided swimming in the discoloured water, while beach vendors have reported fewer customers.
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