Urgent measures to address the plight of Thailand’s dwindling dugong population are underway, including the deployment of conservation buoys and enhanced drone surveys. Officials confirmed the presence of two healthy dugongs near Bang Kwan Beach, Phang Nga Province, on December 10, 2024, as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard the marine species.
The Marine National Park Operations Center 2 in Phuket, led by its head Paisal Boonsawat, reported the findings. The initiative follows directives from Natural Resources and Environment Minister Dr. Chalermchai Sri-on to mitigate food shortages affecting dugongs and their need to migrate. Temporary protection zones have been declared at Rawai Beach, Ao Bang Rong, and Ao Bang Kwan, with plans to rehabilitate their habitats, including seagrass plantations in disused shrimp ponds.
Drone surveys revealed the two dugongs exhibiting normal feeding and diving behavior, with a body condition score of 3 out of 5 and a breathing rate of 2–3 times per five minutes. Conservation teams are also testing additional food cultivation to support the species.
Recently, the Marine National Park Operations Center partnered with Sirinat National Park and actors from Channel 7 to install conservation buoys around Koh Pling, a critical seagrass habitat. This step aims to protect the primary food source for dugongs and ensure their survival.
The public is encouraged to report sightings of dugongs or other injured marine species through the 24-hour hotline at 1362 for prompt assistance by authorities.
