This week, divers spotted the name “Ritche” chemically etched into coral as well as multiple coral defacement written in hangul (Korean alphabet).  With multiple occurrences spanning two different foreign languages, it is possible that an irresponsible local dive operator may have promoted this reckless activity.

Marine management officials are working with resort and dive operators to educate them about the importance of protecting corals.  Hopefully the authorities will be able to identify the culprits who engraved their own names at the scene of the crime.