Maya Bay On Phi Phi Island Temporarily Bans Ships

BANGKOK: The ban of Ships entering Maya Bay, except behind the shore, was announced on Sunday by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The Maya Bay Ban is not permanent.

The move was made as Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Natural Resources and Climate, saw that the coral reefs did not recover as anticipated.

Maya Bay is renowned for its spectacular coral reefs and three 100 meter high cliffs that protect the bay.

This is Phi Phi Island’s main tourist attraction in southern Thailand.

“Maya Bay will still remain closed as recovery continues,” Varawut said. “Our coral reefs have been ruined because of unsustainable tourism.”

The Ministry of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation announced the closure of Maya Bay, which bans tourism and related enterprises, on 1 June 2018.

However, the minister said that given coral reefs that did not return to shape, there were other recoveries.

“A lot of plants like Morning Glory never saw before on Maya Bay grow well on the land, but there are still corals in dangerous conditions under the sea, and many coral species grow at a rate of 3-5 cm per year.”

He said Blacktip Reef Sharks were seen swimming at Maya Bay after the bay was closed.

“Maya Bay will not be permanently closed. When the coral growth is complete, then this place will be open to tourists from all over the world,” Varawut said

SOURCE: The Star

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