Coral reef protection strategy for Phuket and surrounding islands

Stretching 50 km along the island"s west and south coasts, these diverse reef communities have been a major source of food and income throughout the island"s history and remain so today. This report outlines a strategy for the sustainable management of the reefs of Phuket and of its neighbor islands. The report describes the distribution of the reefs and their current status, distinguishing those which are extensively or moderately damaged from those in relatively or very good condition. Major uses of the reefs -- tourism/recreation, fishing, shell and coral collection and trade, and the aquarium fish trade -- are also identified. Management recommendations focus on tourism, recreation, and public education; sustainable fisheries; water quality maintenance and monitoring; and laws, policies, and institutional coordination. A final section identifies nine priority projects for immediate implementation.