Marine conservationists collected a whopping 300kg of underwater rubbish in Thailand.

Scottish open-water swimmer Scott Siranat, also known by his nickname Merman, partnered with the Than Bok Khorani National Park to retrieve garbage and a 50ft-long ghost net covering vulnerable staghorn corals in Krabi province on October 27.

The team of park staff, local authorities, and volunteer divers set out near the Koh Pakka and Koh Hong islands to recover the abandoned fishing equipment, as well as piles of plastic and glass bottles, fabrics, and tyres thrown into the sea.

Officials believe the objects came from trawlers conducting illegal fishing, or from inconsiderate tourists disposing of their garbage in the water.

Siriwat Suebsa, head of the Than Bok Khorani National Park, said that conservationists had found the underwater dump while surveying the coral reefs.

He said follow-up cleanup drives will be carried out to collect the remaining waste in the area.

He said: 'I would like to leave a message to the villagers and tourists who come to fish or travel. Let's give importance to the environment. All of this garbage has an impact on both coral reefs and marine animals.

'Krabi is known for the beauty of its marine landscape. If we want sustainable tourism to generate income for the community, we must help take care of nature as well. This will maintain its beauty for generations to come.'

Scott Siranat, a dual nationality Thai-Scottish conservationist and experienced swimmer, earned the moniker 'The Merman' in April this year when he set a new record, becoming the youngest person in Asia to swim unassisted for 50 kilometres.

While in August, Scott rescued a drowning Spanish tourist flailing in the sea off Koh Hong island in Krabi province.

He is known in Thailand for his advocacy of protecting the marine environment.