Marine life suffers as Thai sea temperatures hit record

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

The once vibrant and colorful corals, about 5 meters 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 earlier this month while underwater readings are slightly warmer, with dive computers showing around 33 C, figures showed.