Seaweed washes up again on Patong Beach as officials continue cleanup
Deputy Mayor of Patong Municipality Awut Noochet led an inspection on Friday (Apr 24), joined by Deputy Mayor Sanakorn Kisin, municipal council members and department heads, to monitor the removal operation.
Seaweed returned to Patong Beach in Phuket on Friday, April 24, prompting Patong Municipality to step up shoreline cleanup operations. Deputy Mayor Awut Noochet led an inspection of the removal work with Deputy Mayor Sanakorn Kisin, municipal council members and department heads, officials said.
Sanitation workers from the municipality’s Public Health and Environment Division were deployed to collect and dispose of the seaweed along the beach. Officials said the work is intended to prevent foul odours and protect the beach’s appearance.
Seasonal blooms and earlier provincial response
The latest buildup follows similar seaweed incidents earlier this year that affected Patong Beach. Officials have said seaweed and algae blooms are often seasonal, typically occurring from January to April when conditions are favourable.
Scientific data presented by the Phuket Provincial Fisheries Office indicated that seaweed and algae growth can increase sharply under those conditions. Officials also identified high levels of phosphate nutrients from wastewater as one contributing factor.
During a provincial inspection on Feb. 17, Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn ordered cruise ships anchored offshore to move farther out to sea. Anchoring distances were increased from two kilometres to three kilometres as a precaution while investigations continued.
Authorities have also said strong waves or changing sea conditions can dislodge seaweed, causing it to float to the surface and wash ashore. Officials said Patong Beach remains open and safe for the public.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/seaweed-returns-to-patong-beach-100028.php
