Pakapong Thawipat is the governor of Phang Nga Province and he led a team of dignitaries to the park earlier this week to assess the impact of the big-boat ban. Clusters of seagrass were very much in evidence and marine biologists say these provide sustenance and shelter for fish and other sea creatures.
Mr Thawipat reported that a starfish species which had vanished from the sea in this area years ago has now reappeared. He noted that local people also said they had spotted marine creatures they had not seen in decades.
Ao Phang Nga is renowned for its stunning karst rock formations and as the location of the so-called James Bond Island. The rocks rise vertically out of the sea and are a natural phenomenon that never ceases to amaze. 12GO ASIA offers a convenient ticket booking service for travel to Phang Nga, Krabi and Phuket.
Andaman Sea big boat ban allows starfish to regenerate
News in Asia
A ban on big boats entering a marine park on Thailand’s southern Andaman Sea shoreline has led to a significant regeneration of marine life and plant species. The government instigated the ban at Ao [Phang Nga](/en/travel/surat-thani/phang-nga) National Park last year to help the park’s ecosystem recover from excessive tourism and fishing.