Last month Blue Guru's Ocean Action Project report was published communicating the key results & recommendations based on our 2 years of research into sharks, rays & fishing boats seen on all our dives & snorkel sessions. This year our research was sponsored by Project AWARE.

Findings for 2013-14 season compared to 2012-13 season included:

- Shark sightings increased from 12% to 22% (thanks to an amazing whale shark season & so many juvenile black tips in Surin National Park).

- Ray sightings increased from 8% to 10%.  

- Fishing boats visible from dive sites decreased from average of 1.9 to 1.5.

- Up to 14 fishing boats were seen on occasions from dive sites in Surin National Park.

- Deaths caused by fishing boat debris included 1 turtle entangled in fishing net.

- 91% of National Park visitors believe Surin NP marine boundary should be expanded.

- 49% of National Park visitors believe fishing boats should not be allowed to enter NP. 

- 67% of National Park visitors were attracted by the prospect of seeing sharks or rays.

- 93% of tourists said they would recommend a visit to others, based on the diversity of marine life seen in the National Parks.

 Our recommendations include:

1. Enlarge Surin National Park's no fishing zone boundary from 3km to 7km so no boats can fish in between Surin Islands & Richelieu Rock.

2. Prohibit fishing boats from entering Surin National Park's no fishing zone. 

3. Continue with a 3rd year of research widening the scope to include turtles.

4. Install mooring buoys at Koh Phra Thong to enable increased research in this area.

The report has been shared with national & international conservation organisations and key local individuals who hold influential positions in the community. We know that for change to happen to strengthen Surin National Park's no fishing zones, local people need to buy into the benefits of protecting marine assets and take ownership for implementing further conservation actions. This is a long slow process but will ultimately be more successful than foreigners dictating what must be done.

If anyone would like a copy of the full report, please email [email protected]