A Vital Resource Base for Marine Ecosystems
Underwater pinnacles located offshore of Pattani and Narathiwat Provinces are important marine resources that support the coastal ecosystems of the lower Gulf of Thailand. These areas provide habitats for coral reefs and a wide variety of marine organisms, serving as feeding grounds, shelters, and nursery areas for many species. However, in the past, scientific information to support effective management of these underwater pinnacles has been relatively limited.
To address this knowledge gap, the Coastal Oceanography and Climate Change Research Center (COCC), in collaboration with local partner organizations—including Aomanao Khaotanyong National Park, Chumphon Marine National Park Operation Center 1, the Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center (Lower Gulf of Thailand), and the School of Science, Walailak University—conducted a comprehensive survey of coral reef resources at underwater pinnacles. The outcomes of this work were compiled in a Thai-language technical report entitled “Coral Reef Resources at Underwater Pinnacles in Pattani and Narathiwat Provinces.”
This study assessed the biodiversity of coral species, reef fish communities, and other benthic organisms, as well as marine debris and key environmental parameters. The results indicate that most coral reefs in the study area are in good to very good condition, with a relatively high proportion of live coral cover compared to many other reef areas in the Gulf of Thailand. These findings highlight the ecological importance of underwater pinnacles as productive and biodiverse marine habitats.
Nevertheless, pressures from human activities were also observed, including marine debris, abandoned fishing gear, and localized coral damage, along with environmental factors that may affect the long-term sustainability of these ecosystems. The information generated by this study therefore provides essential baseline data to support conservation planning, marine resource management, and sustainable use of coral reef ecosystems in Pattani and Narathiwat Provinces.
Furthermore, the report contributes to the implementation of sustainable development goals related to marine and coastal resources (SDG 14) and helps raise awareness of the value of underwater pinnacles as critical marine habitats that provide long-term benefits to local communities, society, and the nation.
The technical report (in Thai) is available at: รายงานทรัพยากรแนวปะการัง บริเวณกองหินใต้น้ำ จังหวัดปัตตานีและนราธิวาส
