For the past 6 months Save Koh Tao has been working together with the Department of Coastal & Marine Resources (DMCR) to develop a long-term outlook for the future of Koh Tao, and create regulations to direct the growth of Koh Tao in a favorable direction. Part of this project has been to create marine and land use zones; different areas that are protected or utilized based on the economic or ecologic value of the area.

This is a long-term project, and this year was used for planning and laying down the groundwork in preparation for the introduction of new policies and regulations to protect our island and the community through the next few decades. Over the next few months, the scientists, researches, and policy makers assisting us in this program will complete their studies and recommendations.

Devrim Zahir of Marine Conservation Koh Tao practising his knots on the boat.

On October 21 Eco Koh Tao joined Save Koh Tao in helping to lay out the marine zoning buoys in Mango bay. Being regular visitors to Mango our expert help was sort to determine the best place to lay the mooring lines in the north of Koh Tao.

The aim of the marine zoning project is to protect the shallow coral areas of the island from boat and longtail traffic and anchors and snorkelers have a safe place to swim.

It was a successful day out although we realised the length of line we had brought for the job was woefully inadequate but that means we will have to return in the not too distant future.

So far Ao Leuk north & south, Tah Chaa and Mango Bay have received mooring and zoning lines with a number of other bays still to be done.

Thanks you to all who participated.

Kailash Cook from Eco Koh Tao helping us string out the
mooring lines on the surface.