Speaking at a turtle release ceremony at Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort on Friday (Mar 14), Mr Chalermchai emphasised the need for cooperation from all sectors to ensure the survival of the endangered marine species.
He noted that various stakeholders, including the Royal Thai Navy, private sector and volunteer citizens, have been actively involved in efforts to protect dugongs.
While there has been a notable increase in seagrass planting initiatives, the damage to these vital marine habitats has also escalated, necessitating continuous rehabilitation efforts, he said.
To supplement conservation strategies, researchers have been exploring alternative plant species that dugongs might consume. Additionally, efforts are underway to develop food sources that dugongs can easily consume, such as food capsules. Authorities are also urging fishermen to avoid harming dugongs and to exercise caution while sailing in their habitats. Advanced technology is being employed to monitor and mitigate dugong losses.
Mr Chalermchai highlighted a decline in the number of dugong deaths due to accidental encounters, indicating progress in conservation efforts. However, he pointed out the persistence of misconceptions regarding dugong tusks, urging the public to preserve these animals as a whole rather than seeing their tusks as separate valuables.
He also reassured that dugong migrations between Trang and Phuket are part of their natural behaviour, driven by food availability. If their feeding grounds remain abundant, the dugong population in the region is expected to grow.
Mr Chalermchai called on the public to contribute to the conservation of dugongs and the country’s natural resources, stressing the importance of protecting these marine creatures for future generations.
TURTLES
MNRE Minister Chalermchai on Friday also joined a turtle release ceremony organised by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) in collaboration with the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command.
The event took place at Ao Tang Khen and marked an important step in tracking and preserving green sea turtles.
The initiative aligns with the royal intention of His Royal Highness Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti to support sea turtle conservation through satellite tracking, said an official report of the event.
The DMCR installed ‘Spot375’ satellite transmitters on two three-year-old green sea turtles to monitor their feeding grounds, habitats and survival rates. The devices, operating via the Argos satellite system, provide precise location data and record water temperatures, ensuring long-term research benefits.
The ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Suwat Donsakul, Commander of the Third Area Command, along with senior officials from the MNRE, conservation volunteers, local communities and private sector representatives, including Vincent Delsol, General Manager of Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort.
During the event, Minister Chalermchai led officials, military personnel and attendees in honouring the conservation efforts of His Royal Highness Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti. A special highlight was the release of a two-year-six-month-old hawksbill sea turtle named ‘Poseidon’, weighing six kilogrammes, along with another hawksbill turtle named ‘Phrommin’, rescued and rehabilitated at the Sireetarn Marine Endangered Animals Rescue Center.
Following the turtle release, attendees observed a drone demonstration showcasing advanced marine monitoring techniques. Three drones and one ‘Dock DJI’ unit were deployed for surveying dugongs, monitoring seagrass restoration, and tracking marine ecosystems. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (‘drones’) in daily environmental surveillance at Ao Tang Khen has shown promising results in protecting marine habitats, Mr Chalermchai said.
The event also featured an exhibition on sea turtle conservation, marine biodiversity and seagrass restoration efforts. Representatives from the Phang Nga Naval Base’s Sea Turtle Conservation Center and Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort’s CSR initiative provided insights into environmental threats and restoration projects.
As part of the occasion, the ‘Love the sea with all your heart’ honorary badge and certificates were awarded to citizen marine scientists who contributed to dugong monitoring and seagrass conservation.
Phrommin, one of the released turtles, was originally stranded at Thap Lamu Beach in 2022. Rescued in a weak and dehydrated state with injuries, he underwent extensive rehabilitation at the Sireetarn Marine Endangered Animals Rescue Center before being deemed fit for return to the wild.
Minister Chalermchai reaffirmed the government’s commitment to marine conservation and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between governmental agencies, conservation groups and local communities in ensuring the protection of Thailand’s marine biodiversity.