(Koh Tao) Off the island of Koh Tao in Thailand, a scuba diver swims slowly over a weakened, white-branched coral reef, noting and cataloging the species of fish living in this fragile ecosystem.
At just 14 years old, Nannalin Pornprasertsom is one of those scuba divers who are increasingly turning to the conservation of the endangered marine environment rather than simple contemplation.
During a two-week internship, Nannalin learned how to identify coral types, restore reefs and assess the health of a coral by its color, which helps scientific research.
“It’s just something I can do good for the environment,” the teenager, who has been diving since she was 12, told AFP. “I want to help the reef. »
Around the world, coral is turning ghostly white as the warming ocean expels the microscopic algae that live there, nourish it and give it its color. The coral, deprived of these zooxanthellae which are vital to it, ends up dying.
Thailand is experiencing the effects of climate change in a range of areas and authorities have already closed several national parks due to recent coral bleaching.
Marine conservation certifications increased by more than 6% globally between 2021 and 2023, according to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors.
This year, it is launching a major census of sharks and rays, exploiting its network of divers to collect data in order to establish protection policies.
On Koh Tao, Black Turtle Dive offers courses on everything from “diving against debris” (collecting plastic or washed-up fishing nets) to coral restoration techniques.
“There is increased awareness,” says Steve Minks, a certified conservation instructor at Black Turtle.
“There’s a lot of (coral) bleaching going on and there’s a lot of concern about the marine environment. »
This death spiral is omnipresent in the waters of Koh Tao. The species most affected are branched species which grow quickly, but are also less resistant.
If the water temperature drops, they will have a chance to recover. But for now, their pale stems are visible from the surface.
“I wasn’t prepared for such a significant whitewash. The impact is significant,” sighs instructor Sandra Rubio.
The 28-year-old says bleaching and other marine degradation have prompted divers to take her conservation courses.
“People want to learn because they see these kinds of changes,” she explains to AFP.
“They don’t necessarily understand the origins of it, but they see that there’s nothing good about it. »
She explains to her trainees how to identify species, including soft coral: you have to wave to it, she explains, by imitating the movement of a hand in the water, and wait to see if it “does sign back.”
The information collected by the young Nannalin will be integrated into a global, collaborative scientific project called Coral Watch, which has already produced numerous publications.
“We collect the data for scientists so they can work with governments and authorities,” explains Steve Minks.
Divers also carry out coral restoration and planting activities. On board a boat, a star-shaped structure designed by students is transported to a coral reef.
Over the past 14 months, conservation group Global Reef has transplanted about 2,000 coral colonies, with a survival rate of about 75 percent, says Gavin Miller, science program director.
“It’s not really going to save coral reefs on a global scale, but it has a very, very big impact locally. »
“The snappers (reef fish, Editor’s note) are coming back. We also have puffer fish. »
Coral bleaching has discouraged many sea enthusiasts, but for Koh Tao divers, it is also a call for general mobilization.
“Previous generations didn’t have access to the research and education we have today.” “I think people my age should make the most of it and do their best to turn things around,” Nannalin says.
Sandra Rubio sadly admits that it “isn’t going to change overnight,” “but we’re doing our best, and it’s a very strong feeling,” she says.
To boost her morale, she “works every day”: “to do good for the environment and the reef that I love.”
