The marine biologists, from the Upper Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center, joined by volunteer drone pilot Thirasak Saksrithawi, scoured Ao Thang Ken yesterday (Nov 19), reported the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR).
The team conducted health checks on the animals, observing their swimming and grass-eating behaviours, the DMCR noted.
Six of the dugongs were in good health, with a body condition score (BCS) of 3/5 and a breathing rate of two to three times per five minutes.
One dugong showed signs of poor health, with a lower BCS of 1/5 and a similar breathing rate of two to three times per five minutes.
The search for dugongs in Ao Thang Khen followed the DMCR team conducting a sweep of Ao Pa Khlok on Monday (Nov 18), when they confirmed the sighting of one other dugong and three sea turtles.
At Ao Pa Khlok, the team surveyed about 1,618 rai of coastal waters from 7:30am to 6pm, the DMCR explained.
To ensure the safety of the dugongs and sea turtles found, the department has scheduled nighttime patrols to monitor and prevent any activities that could pose a threat to the marine life.
The DMCR has outlined measures to monitor and assist the dugong in poor health, following an order by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat last week to set up a working group to take care of dugongs after more than 30 were found to have migrated into the area.
The DMCR is to continue observation of the herd’s feeding patterns and movements in Ao Tang Khen. The grass beds in the area will also be assessed to ensure sufficient food supply for the dugongs.
The DMCR’s efforts include natural rehabilitation of the area to provide supplementary food in the wild and to establish a natural enclosure to aid the recovery of the sick dugong.
If a dugong becomes too weak to swim, it will be moved to the rehabilitation pond at the DMCR’s Sireetarn Marine Endangered Animals Rescue Centre at Cape Panwa,
To safeguard the dugong population in Ao Tang Khen, local authorities, volunteers and marine officers are working together to monitor boat traffic and control vessel speeds to minimise disturbances.
They are also working to prevent fishing activities and reduce marine pollution, including garbage, the DMCR reported.
Marine biologists are also assessing risks associated with muscle inflammation caused by entanglement or stress from the surrounding environment.
Returning to Ao Pa Khlok yesterday, DMCR officers were deployed to monitor and safeguard dugongs in the bay.
The initiative, led by the Mangrove Forest Conservation Division, was carried out in collaboration with the Prevention, Suppression, and Management of Protected Areas Division and local marine volunteers, the DMCR noted.
Key officials present for the visit to Ao Pa Khlok yesterday included Wisanu Chaengjai, Director of DMCR Region 10; Duang Denyuk, Director of the Mangrove Forest Conservation Division; and Nares Chuaphung, Director of the Marine Resources Conservation Division.
The entourage visited the site to provide guidance and encouragement to the team.
Officers and volunteers are actively monitoring the dugongs’ habitat to ensure their safety and compliance with conservation measures, and public awareness campaigns have been launched to educate the community about marine and coastal resource conservation, promoting participation and understanding across all sectors, the DMCR confirmed.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to protecting dugongs and preserving marine biodiversity through collaborative efforts and policy-driven action.