Thailand places a ban on coral damaging sunscreens in marine national parks

Sunscreens that contain damaging chemicals to marine life have been banned in Thailand’s marine national parks.

The Thai Department of Conservation said four ingredients commonly found in sun creams were shown to destroy coral larvae, obstruct coral reproduction and cause reef bleaching, reports BBC. 

According to The Good News Network, those banned chemicals are: oxybenzone, octinoxate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor or butylparaben.

While it is unknown as to how they plan to enforce this new rule, there will be a fine of up to 100,000 baht ($3,000 USD). 

“As 80% to 90% of tourists visiting marine national parks on package tours usually go diving, marine national park staff will ask tour operators to explain to visitors the ban ahead of their visits,” says department director-general Thanya Nethithammakul.

There are plenty of reef safe sunscreens that can and should be used in replacement of these harmful sunscreens. You can find examples here.