PUBLISHED : 30 Jul 2023 at 04:00
CHON BURI: Plankton bloom is turning the sea off Ta Waen Beach on Koh Lan green; however marine experts say the phenomenon will only last a day or two.
The Facebook page “We Love Pattaya” yesterday posted pictures of unusually green seawater at Ta Waen Beach on Koh Lan which, although not harmful, is not recommended for swimming.
Sorasak Thongbongpetch, secretary of the Koh Lan community, said the bright green colour is the result of fresh water caused by storm run-off causing plankton to bloom.
The phenomenon usually takes place at the beginning of the rainy season, and lasts only a few days before returning the sea to its normal colour, Mr Sorasak said.
“Only Ta Waen and Ta Yai Beaches are affected by the plankton bloom. Koh Lan’s other beaches are reported to be fine.
“Tourists should remain calm and continue their trip,” he added.
Thanet Mannoi, director of the Marine and Coastal Resources Office Region 2, said the plankton had received a large amount of food and reproduced much more quickly than usual.
Once the oxygen in the seawater is used up, plankton dies equally rapidly, making the seawater turn green.
Mr Thanet said the office had sent researchers to collect samples to assess whether the bloom is harmful to humans.
“The plankton bloom causes the seawater to stink, resulting from the mass death of plankton. Some people can be allergic to that so it is not recommended to swim in the green seawater at the moment,” he said.
When asked if the phenomenon is related to the El Nino climatic changes, Mr Thanet said there is no indication that might be a cause.
Koh Lan is a popular destination in Chon Buri which can be reached via a ferry or speedboat from Pattaya.