Stone elephants go to sea

Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration and Trat province hope submerged stone elephants sunk in the sea, 5 October, between Mak and Rayang islands, will become a new attraction. DASTA’s, director, Nalik-atipak Sangsanit, said the nine elephant sculptures would not only create an artificial reef  to restore an environmental balance but would also attract more divers. He said: “This will positively impact on diving tours and bring additional revenue to Chang Island and nearby areas.” “The artificial reefs will also help integrate marine art, culture, history and awareness of the environment. During August, the elephant sculptures were exhibited at the Trat museum for the general public and students to view before they were sunk in 12 metres of water. The nine elephant sculptures cost Bt10 million and are now on the seabed 1 km off shore from Mak Island and 40 km from the main land, to give divers a new site and attract families to release fish in the area. The life-sized elephant sculptures are 3 metres high and 2 metres wide weighing four tons each. They are made from Portland cement and are free of chemicals, but resistant to seawater corrosion. They will encourage the growth of coral and create a feeding zone for fish. On average the Asian elephant stands 3 metres tall at the shoulders and weighs 3 to 5 tons. The project was created to honour His Majesty the King’s 84th birthday.