Phuket Diving Boat Operators Arrested Over Mooring Practices That Could Damage Coral Reefs

Two diving boat operators were arrested at Racha Yai Island in Phuket on September 4 after marine officials found their vessels tied to mooring bases in a way that could damage nearby coral reefs.

The inspection was carried out by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) at Ao Tue on Racha Yai following a complaint from a local resident. The complainant reported that diving boats had been left moored in the area for several days, with their sterns attached directly to the bases of mooring buoys.

DMCR Director-General Pinsak Suraswadi ordered officers from the department’s protection and enforcement division to inspect the site and take action if violations were found.

Officials discovered two boats using the moorings in a manner that they said violated marine and coastal resource protection measures applicable to Racha Yai and Racha Noi islands in Rawai subdistrict.

According to the DMCR, attaching a boat’s stern directly to a mooring base can cause the structure to shift as the vessel is pushed and pulled by waves and wind. If the base moves, it could hit or drag across the surrounding reef, potentially breaking coral and causing other damage.

Officials also noted that leaving a vessel attached to a mooring for an extended period can prevent other boats from using the designated mooring point.

The operators of both boats were arrested and taken to Chalong Police Station for further legal proceedings.

The alleged violations fall under Section 22 of the Marine and Coastal Resources Management Promotion Act B.E. 2558 (2015), which requires compliance with measures established to protect marine and coastal resources.

Those found guilty can face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both.

The DMCR said inspections and monitoring would continue in protected marine areas. The department also called on residents, tourists and marine tourism businesses to follow conservation rules and report activities that could threaten marine ecosystems.