New Reef found in Thailand

The discovery of a new reef off the coast of Had Thai Muang, North of Phuket was reported by the World Wildlife Foundation in February this year. Initial surveys identified over 270 hectares (1 hectare = 10,000 square metres) of previously unknown, relatively healthy reefs with over 30 genera of hard corals, and at least 112 species of fish from 56 families, including a new record – the parrot fish Chlorurus Rakaura first discovered in Sri Lanka and never seen in Thailand until now, as well as a rare species of sweetlips Plectorhincus Macrospilus previously only known from the Similan Islands. There may still be more surprises to come...

The reef is not open to dive trips (yet), but we have spoken to a diver working for the Had Thai Muang National Park who says the reef is in excellent condition.

More from the WWF web site:

Story about the discovery of the reef
Recent WWF Report on Had Thai Muang Park