Koh Tao: A diver wanders across a stretch of bone-white coral reef, recording fish scattered among the jagged arms that stretch out to sea on the Thai island of Koh Tao.
Nannalin Pornprasertsom is one of many scuba divers exploring conservation and citizen science methods as coral reefs experience their fourth global bleaching event.
After a two-week course on Koh Tao, the 14-year-old was able to identify coral species, restore corals and record the color and tone of outcrops at dive sites to aid scientific research into coral health.
“The only thing I can do is do something good for the environment,” Nannalin, who has been diving since he was 12, told AFP after several dips.
“I want to help the reef.”
He was not alone.
The Professional Association of Diving Instructors – known as PADI, one of the world’s leading diving training organizations – says that between 2021 and 2023, conservation certification will increase by six percent worldwide.
This year, a census of sharks and rays is underway to gather data that will inform conservation policy.
Black Turtle Diving on Koh Tao offers courses in everything from how to ‘debris dive’ – collecting marine plastic or tangled fishing nets – to reef restoration techniques.
“Awareness has increased,” said Steve Minks, a black sea turtle conservation educator.
“There is a lot of bleaching and a lot of concern about the marine environment.”
Coral polyps are animals that depend on algae for most of their food. This algae usually gives the coral its color.
But when the sea gets too hot, the polyps release algae. The coral turned white and the coral began to starve.
Coral bleaching has been recorded in more than 60 countries since the beginning of 2023, threatening corals that are important for ocean biodiversity and support global fisheries and tourism.
A death spiral in the waters of the Gulf of Thailand, around Koh Tao.
The worst affected are the fast growing but less resilient branches.
If the water temperature drops, there will be a chance to recover. But for now, their spectral stems shimmer across the aquamarine water.
“I’m not ready for this whiteout, it’s overwhelming,” said teacher Sandra Rubio.
The 28-year-old said he plans to attend a course on the conservation of bleaching and other marine damage.
“People want to learn because they see such changes,” he told AFP.
“Even if they don’t understand why, they know it’s not good.”
Learn how to identify species like soft corals. Waves shook the water in his hands and waited to see if it would “come back”.
The skills taught at Black Turtle and other dive shops are not just theoretical.
Artificial coral reefs surround Koh Tao and are actively restoring marine habitats.
Nunnally’s data on coral health is part of Coral Watch, a global citizen science project that has produced numerous research projects.
“What we’re doing is gathering information so that scientists can actually work with governments and authorities,” Minks said.
On a sunny afternoon in Koh Tao, a boat launches a seascape-shaped back structure designed by schoolchildren into the sea, where it will become the latest Global Reef coral restoration project.
Since its inception two years ago, Global Reef has transplanted about 75 percent of its 2,000 coral colonies, said Gavin Miller, director of the group’s scientific program.
“It’s impossible to save coral reefs globally … but what he’s doing is having a big impact locally.”
“We have snapper coming back. We have pufferfish residents.”
Global Reef also hosts interns who develop artificial intelligence software to identify fish in 360-degree videos for reef health research and regularly collaborates with the dive school next door.
They’re studying the surprising tolerance of some local corals for sustained high temperatures.
“This could be a shelter for the reef,” Miller said.
This year’s bleaching has left many marine enthusiasts in despair, but it’s a call to arms for conservationists on Koh Tao.
“Previous generations didn’t have the research and education we have today,” Nannalin said.
“I think people my age should take advantage of that and do what they can to reverse what’s been done.”
This work helps Rubio to balance his frustration with the changes in the water.
“It’s not like we’re going to change from one day to another, but we’re doing our best and that’s the best feeling,” he said.
“Every day I work to do something good for the environment and the reefs we love.”
