Diving with a Purpose: Coral Reef Conservation in Koh Tao, Thailand

Koh Tao is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand home to some of the most abundant and diverse coral reefs in Southeast Asia, making it a hotspot for diving tourism. However, Koh Tao has experienced multiple coral bleaching events over the past few decades, with major occurrences in 1998, 2010, and 2020 due to rising sea temperatures. These events have led to significant coral loss, reducing marine biodiversity and impacting the island's tourism-driven economy. With support from the Klemm Fellowship program, I completed 35 scuba dives at depths ranging from 20 to 100 feet over the course of three weeks. During these dives, I contributed to coral conservation efforts such as coral bleaching and wildlife population survey dives, underwater trash removal, artificial reef maintenance, and recycling initiatives, all aimed at preserving the island's marine ecosystem. With Koh Tao's economy deeply tied to diving tourism, protecting the reefs is not just an environmental necessity but an economic imperative.