[CPProt.net] Thailand to sink sculptures on Tsunami-hit coast

[Ellie Bruggeman]

Thailand to sink sculptures on Tsunami-hit coast

BANGKOK (AFP) - Thailand will sink concrete sculptures in six locations 
along its west coast that was battered by the December tsunami, to help 
reduce pressure on fragile coral reefs, a report said Friday.

The two-metre high (six-and-a-half feet) sculptures, which will be 
positioned some 10-18 metres (33-60 feet) below the surface, are 
designed to be an alternative attraction for divers, the Nation 
newspaper said.

After the tsunami some dive spots were closed to allow the corals to 
recover, forcing more divers into fewer sites. The sculptures will be on 
flat sand away from coral, eliminating strike damage from divers' fins, 
it said.

Authorities have budgeted 24 million baht ($584,000) for the sculptures, 
each of which is designed to reflect the identity of the six provinces 
where they are located, project chief Thon Thamrongnawasawat said.

"The project has been decided upon and approved by government officials, 
local residents, the business sector and other relevant groups in each 
province," said Thon, a marine scientist at Kasetsart University.

"All of the sculptures will be in place by next March."

http://www.brunei-online.com/weekend/news/sep3w4.htm