Aquatic life from coral reefs to fish in the Thailand’s eastern gulf coast is suffering as sea surface temperatures hit record highs this month amid a regional heatwave, worrying scientists and local communities.

The once vibrant and colourful corals, about five metres (16 feet) underwater, have turned white in a phenomenon known as coral bleaching, a sign that their health was deteriorating, due to higher water temperatures, scientists say.

Sea surface temperatures in the Eastern Gulf of Thailand reached 32.73°C (90.91°F) earlier this month while underwater readings are slightly warmer, with dive computers showing around 33°C, data shows.

If water temperatures do not cool, more coral will die, Lalita said.

“It’s global boiling, not just global warming,” she said.

  • @LegEnglish
    35•24 days ago

    This kinda news doesn’t feel any better to hear now than it did when I was a child. The people who can do something about it don’t care. We mourn our lost future. The cycle continues.

    • HubertManne
      -8•24 days ago

      im old enough that when I was a child things where getting done. that was in the 70’s though before reagan democrats.