Nearly all the islands and reefs in Phuket, Phang-nga Bay and Krabi provinces have been declared National Parks or Marine Sanctuaries (Please see the list below and check your charts). This means that, besides commercial fishing by large trawlers, the following activities are strictly prohibited at those places.

Spear fishing

This "sport" was banned here years ago. As a result, most reefs fish are quite tame and unafraid of divers, much to the enjoyment of underwater photographers. Shooting "only one fish" for dinner on board is also not allowed. Be a real sportsman and buy your fish at the market.

Collecting Marine life

Taking coral, shells, lobsters and other marine creatures from the sea is not allowed. Again, please don't think it is OK for you to take "just this one seashell". What it everyone would do that ... ? We want to protect this our world also for future generations ...

Anchoring on Coral Reefs

Surely you know about the terrible damage that anchors and chains do to coral, so please refrain from dropping your anchor on the reefs. Moorings have been installed at many locations. Most are public moorings, free for everyone to use. Others are marked as private moorings, OK to use until the owning boat arrives. Please respect this private moorings.

Fishing

Fishing for reef fish in shallow reefs is not allowed. Hand line fishing and trolling in deep water is fine. Billfish and sharks should be released.

Garbage Dumping

On long ocean crossings yachtsmen are forced to dump their garbage at sea. There is however, no reason to continue doing this in Phuket's coastal waters. Every anchorage in this area has proper garbage disposal facilities on shore. When you go cruising you should have garbage bin (with a lid ) on board. A little clorox in the bin keeps away the smell. There is no harm in feeding the fish with your food leftovers.

During your stay here you will undoubtedly notice that the above mentioned laws are broken all the time. Many local boats as well as visiting yachts are still harming the marine environment on a daily basis. We still have a long way to go in terms of environmental awareness and effective marine law enforcement.
But, as the saying goes: to improve the world, start with yourself. That is way we hope that you will help to preserve Phuket's beauty by following the rules.