During the first few years, marine management focused on the symptoms development and use (ie. coral nurseries, artificial reefs, alternative dive sites, giant clam nurseries, sea turtle releases, etc), while the root of the problems could also be addressed. Over the period from 2008-2012 the group hosted many stakeholder meetings to discuss the issues with marine area usage, and discuss possible solutions.
These meetings were later assisted with the Prince of Songkla University and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). By 2012, the plans and new rules were ready to start being put into place, with the publication of the island master plan, entitled “Strategic Plan: Integrated Coastal Management for Koh Tao,” (note this is only available as a printed book in Thai language, however you can read a synopsis in English here).