In an era where marine ecosystems face increasing threats—from microplastic pollution to severe coastal erosion—traditional monitoring methods alone are no longer sufficient. Advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and remote sensing, are emerging as powerful tools to transform marine conservation.

These innovations enable faster, more accurate analysis of environmental data, reducing processes that once took years to just seconds. From detecting microplastics to monitoring coastline changes, deep technology enhances our ability to understand and respond to complex ocean challenges.

Importantly, this transformation is not limited to researchers. It creates opportunities for collaboration among government agencies, private sectors, and the public to drive sustainable solutions.

As science and technology continue to advance, so too does our capacity to restore and protect marine ecosystems. Deep technology represents a promising pathway toward a more resilient and sustainable future for our oceans.

Marine sediments may appear still and unremarkable, yet they serve as one of the most valuable natural records of Earth’s history. Much like tree rings, layers of sediment preserve evidence of past environmental changes, including sea-level fluctuations and climate variability over thousands to millions of years.

At the same time, marine sediments act as major sinks for pollutants. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium—originating from industrial activities and mining—can accumulate and remain stored within these layers for long periods.

However, changes in environmental conditions, such as shifts in pH or salinity, can trigger the release of these trapped substances back into the water column. This process can degrade water quality and pose significant risks to marine ecosystems.

Understanding and managing marine sediments is therefore essential for effective ocean restoration. These hidden layers beneath the seafloor hold critical insights that can guide sustainable management and help protect marine environments for the future.

Sandbars are more than simple accumulations of sand; they are dynamic natural formations that play a critical role in protecting coastal environments. Acting as the first line of defense, sandbars such as the Sathing Phra Peninsula and Laem Tachi help absorb wave energy and reduce the impacts of monsoons, safeguarding vulnerable ecosystems like lagoons and bays located behind them.

Beyond their protective function, sandbars also serve as valuable geological archives. Layers of sediment and fossil remains preserved within these formations record past sea-level changes and environmental conditions over thousands of years.

However, these natural barriers are increasingly at risk. Unsustainable coastal development and construction, often lacking proper geological understanding, can accelerate erosion and disrupt the delicate balance of these systems.

Protecting sandbars requires integrating scientific knowledge with community-based management to ensure their long-term stability. Preserving these formations today is essential for maintaining coastal resilience and securing the future of both marine ecosystems and human communities.

Marine debris, particularly plastic waste, has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. When improperly managed, plastic waste entering the ocean is gradually broken down by sunlight and wave action into microplastics—particles smaller than 5 millimeters. These tiny pollutants are now widely distributed across marine environments, from surface waters to sandy beaches and ocean sediments.

Marine organisms such as fish, shrimp, and shellfish often mistake microplastics for food, leading to ingestion and accumulation within their bodies. Furthermore, microplastics can act as carriers of toxic substances, including heavy metals, which may enter the food chain and pose potential risks to human health.

Addressing this issue begins with individual and collective action. Reducing single-use plastics, properly separating waste, and supporting sustainable waste management systems are essential steps to prevent further contamination. Protecting the ocean from plastic pollution ultimately safeguards both ecosystem health and human well-being.

Coral reefs are not rocks or plants, but living structures built by tiny animals that form one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. Often called the “rainforests of the sea,” coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean, yet support more than 25% of all marine species. They serve as essential habitats, nurseries for juvenile organisms, sources of food, and natural barriers that protect coastlines from waves and storms.

However, these vital ecosystems are increasingly threatened by coral bleaching, a phenomenon driven by rising sea temperatures. Even a temperature increase of just 1–2°C can cause corals to become stressed and expel their symbiotic algae, losing both their color and primary source of energy.

Protecting coral reefs requires collective action. Simple steps—such as reducing energy consumption, choosing reef-safe sunscreen, minimizing single-use plastics, and practicing responsible tourism—can help preserve these ecosystems. Safeguarding coral reefs means protecting marine biodiversity and ensuring the resilience of coastal communities for future generations.

Did you know that one of the most powerful solutions to the accelerating climate crisis may lie within coastal ecosystems we have long overlooked? “Blue Carbon” refers to the carbon captured and stored by coastal habitats such as mangroves and seagrass beds, which can sequester carbon at rates 5–10 times higher than terrestrial forests of the same area.

Beneath their roots lies a highly efficient natural carbon storage system, where greenhouse gases are not only absorbed by plants but also buried deep within sediments for hundreds to thousands of years.

However, these vital ecosystems—often described as the “lungs of the ocean”—are increasingly under threat. Their degradation does not only mean the loss of biodiversity, but also the release of vast amounts of stored carbon back into the atmosphere, further intensifying climate change.

Protecting and restoring Blue Carbon ecosystems is therefore not only a scientific priority, but a shared responsibility. It represents one of the most effective nature-based solutions to ensure a more balanced and sustainable future for generations to come.

อากาศร้อนๆแบบนี้ อดคิดไม่ได้ว่าสิ่งมีชีวิตในทะเลจะเป็นอย่างไรบ้าง วันนี้ชวนอ่านสรุปผลงานวิจัยของ #COCC ที่ศึกษาผลกระทบของอุณหภูมิสูงต่อหญ้าทะเล

Underwater Pinnacles in Pattani and Narathiwat Provinces:

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.”

It locates in the most southern Gulf of Thailand, would be one of the top dive sites for scuba divers. This is because of its beautiful and healthy reefs. Some marine endangered species, i.e., whale shark, manta ray, guitarfish, etc. are generally found in this area. In 2017, COCC researcher joined a coral reef survey with the specialists from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources and Walailak University. The survey is under the Project on Marine Biodiversity of Losin Island Survey to prepare for the proposal to designate Losin Island to be a Thailand’s Marine Protected Area (MPA).

The guideline is an output of the research project “Stress Indicator for Coral and Zooxanthellae at the Southern Reef of Phuket for Resistance to Coral Bleaching”, conducted through a collaboration between members of the Coastal Oceanography and Climate Change Research Center (COCC) —Dr. Mathinee Yucharoen, Asst. Prof. Dr. Sutinee Sinutok, Dr. Ponlachart Chotikarn, and Dr. Manasawan Saengsakda Pattaratumrong—and Dr. Lalita Putchim from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, with support from the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).

The coral and zooxanthellae stress index is a tool used to assess coral stress and bleaching conditions based on seawater temperature and changes in the marine environment. It supports systematic monitoring and forecasting of coral bleaching risks associated with global warming and climate change.

Coral stress is evaluated when seawater temperatures exceed normal averages. Sustained temperature increases of approximately +1 to +3 degrees Celsius over several weeks can elevate bleaching risk, ranging from early warning levels to critical conditions that may lead to coral mortality.

The guideline also provides recommended response and management measures, including close temperature monitoring, reducing activities that disturb coral reefs during high-risk periods, managing water quality and sedimentation, and communicating coral bleaching information to the public and relevant stakeholders.

The coral stress index is therefore an important tool supporting coral reef conservation and promoting collaborative efforts to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of marine ecosystems. 🌊🐚

Ko Kham is located within the Khao Pa Chang–Laem Kham Non-Hunting Area in Thepha District, Songkhla Province. It is a coastal area of significant marine importance, particularly for its shallow coral reef ecosystems, which serve as habitats, nursery grounds, and feeding areas for a wide range of marine organisms.

The reef biodiversity survey at Ko Kham was conducted in August 2020 through a collaboration between the Coastal Oceanography and Climate Change Research Center (COCC), Chumphon Marine National Park Operation Center 1, and the Khao Pa Chang–Laem Kham Non-Hunting Area. The objective of the study was to establish baseline information on coral reef resources and marine biodiversity to support effective conservation and management of the area.

The survey results indicated that seawater quality around Ko Kham was within good condition and did not exceed environmental standards, despite the influence of freshwater input and sediment during the monsoon season. The coral reefs were classified as being in moderate to good condition, with higher reef health observed on the western side of the island compared to the eastern side. Live coral cover exceeded 50%, with dominant coral species including massive corals, flower corals, honeycomb corals, and ice-like textured corals.

In addition, a high diversity of marine life was recorded, including at least 14 species of reef fishes—among them indicator species reflecting reef health—and more than 10 species of large benthic invertebrates such as sponges, gorgonian sea fans, sea urchins, and nudibranchs. These findings indicate that the coral reef ecosystem at Ko Kham remains functional and ecologically healthy.

Based on the study, a technical report (in Thai) was produced to support marine conservation planning and management. Furthermore, public outreach materials were developed in the form of an educational poster entitled “Kham’s Underwater Garden” to disseminate knowledge and raise awareness among local communities and the general public about the value of coral reef resources.

At present, Ko Kham has become increasingly popular for marine-based tourism activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and beach recreation, with visitation expected to rise in the future. Although only minor impacts on coral reefs and marine debris were observed, inadequate management could lead to long-term degradation of these valuable resources.

The report therefore recommends the establishment of clear zoning and conservation measures, including the installation of mooring buoys, regulation of fishing activities in coral reef areas, visitor education, and continuous site management. These actions are essential to maintaining a balance between sustainable use and long-term conservation of marine resources.

The protection of Ko Kham’s coral reefs is not the responsibility of a single organization, but a shared commitment among all stakeholders, ensuring that this marine ecosystem continues to support local communities and remains a rich natural heritage for future generations.

The electronic version of the technical report (in Thai) is available at: รายงานทรัพยากรแนวปะการังเกาะขาม

With the temperature rising as before Songkran festival, someone might ask how hot the temperature would be in this world? The trend of elevating temperature has been certainly predicted. Everyone knows that our climate is changing and the air temperature is increasing, as it’s called, “global warming”

More information about high temperature trend from the year 1884 – 2018
https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/global-temperature/

High temperature not only occurs on terrestrial ecosystems but it also happens to the ocean. The summer months are risk period for coral reefs that are highly sensitive to temperature change, leading to coral bleaching. When we see bleached corals (healthy corals are usually colorful), they are a result of the loss of the zooxanthellae, living in their tissues. These microscopic algae provide energy for coral via photosynthesis process. The bleaching is weakening of corals, due to the lack of food from zooxanthellae, and it may be subjected to mortality when corals are exposed for a long period to high temperatures 

More information about coral bleaching
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/coral_bleach.html

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration U.S. Department of Commerce) has reported the recent sea surface temperature anomaly during this April, which was 1 – 1.5 °C higher than average. Similarly, seawater temperature in Panwa Cape, Phuket (Figure 1) was recorded at 3 – 5 m in depth and also increased since March which seems faster than last year (Phuket Marine Biological Center).

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suchana Chavanich, a marine biologist and a professor at the Department of Marine Science, Chulalongkorn University, just had completed an investigation of marine plastic pollution with her team at the Arctic last year.