The initiative aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders and address threats to these rare marine animals and their vital food sources.
The event brought together experts and officials from various agencies, including DMCR marine and coastal ecosystem specialist Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong along with Natthakrit Phonphet, Director of the Environment Division of the Phuket Natural Resources and Environment office, and Nares Chuaphung, Director of the Phuket Marine Resources Conservation Center.
Discussions centered on strategies to safeguard dugongs and manage seagrass ecosystems in the region.
Government representatives, private sector stakeholders and local community members actively participated, offering suggestions and outlining practical steps to protect seagrass areas.
Proposed measures included regulating fishing activities, reducing watercraft speeds, controlling marine recreational activities, and implementing strict pollution controls.
“Protecting dugongs and their habitats is crucial for preserving marine biodiversity and ensuring ecological balance,” said Mr Kongkiat. “The measures discussed today will pave the way for tangible and effective conservation outcomes.”
The meeting represented a concerted effort to sustain dugong populations and safeguard the marine ecosystem in Phuket. Officials hope the initiatives will lead to lasting conservation success and ensure the survival of the iconic marine animals for future generations, said an official report of the meeting.
Dugongs, classified as rare marine animals under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562, play a critical role in maintaining marine ecosystems. The gentle herbivores depend on seagrass as their primary food source.
Last year, during a spate of dugong deaths along the Andaman coast and following the degradation of seagrass habitats in Trang Province, at least 30 dugongs migrated to coastal areas in Phuket.
In November, Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat set up a working group to take care of the newly arrived dugongs, which are now are often seen in the waters off Rawai Pier, in Ao Tang Khen off the east coast of Cape Panwa, and in Ao Pa Khlok off Phuket’s east coast. Dugongs have also been spotted in the Pak Phra Canal, separating Phukte from the mainland.
Special dugong protection areas were announced, with the governor ordering strict enforcement of regulations regarding marine activities and calling for cooperation from all sectors to adhere to conservation measures.
“Quite a lot have died, especially this year [2024], 33 of them. Therefore, it is necessary to work together to expedite the protection of the dugong herd and to have appropriate food for them, especially the seagrass problem,” Governor Sophon said at the time.
DMCR officials started planting ‘test beds’ of alternatives to seagrass as a way of trying to solve the food shortage problem for the dugongs.
Four test plots were set up along each side of Rawai Pier at low tide, close to the original seagrass area where dugongs often feed. Each plot is one square metre in size and contains a different type of vegetable to see which ones the dugongs might prefer.
During high tide, drones were used to monitor whether any dugongs came to feed. Initially, one dugong was observed in the area, but it did not feed from any of the test plots, but soon other dugongs came along to feed.
Other ‘test beds’ were set up, with varying success.
The DMCR team from the Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center tasked with observing dugongs in Phuket on Tuesday (Jan 14) reported noted that their drone searches had confirmed 13 dugongs and three sea turtles were spotted in Ao Tang Khen, one dugong was found near the Sarasin Bridge, no dugongs were found in Rawai and the survey in Ao Pa Khlok was suspended.
The team also suspended the placement of food plots for dugongs in Ao Tang Khen. “The results of the plot placement on Wednesday, December 8, found no traces of dugong eating. Therefore, the original experimental plots will be used and officials will continue to monitor the situation,” the team reported.
Just two days earlier the team identified 10 sea turtles and 11 dugongs in Ao Tang Khen.
Most dugongs displayed normal feeding and swimming behaviours and were in good health, with a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 3 out of 5. Eight dugongs had a breathing rate of 3 to 5 times per 5 minutes, teh team reported.
However, three dugongs were classified as being in a thin health condition, with a BCS of 2 out of 5.
“These dugongs also exhibited a breathing rate of 3 to 5 times per 5 minutes. Additionally, one dugong was observed near the Sarasin Bridge area, while no dugongs were found in the Rawai area. The survey in Ao Pa Klok was suspended due to strong waves,” the team noted.
KILLED
On Jan 8, the team from the Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center announced the autopsy results of a juvenile dugong found stranded in the sea near Naka Yai Island, off Phuket’s east coast.
The DMCR coordinated with the Marine Department Region 3 branch in Phuket to investigate the incident.
The juvenile dugong measured 200cm in length and weighed 142kg. Although the carcass had begun to decompose, it was found to be in relatively good condition with a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 3 out of 5.
External examination revealed wounds consistent with herd behaviour, including abrasions and bruises. The left end of the tail was missing, showing sharp-edged damage. Slight barnacle attachment was observed on the back.
The autopsy revealed significant internal injuries. The muscles on the left side of the body were bruised, and ribs 12-18 on the left side were broken.
The wings of the 1st to 3rd lumbar vertebrae were fractured, and the chest and abdominal walls were torn, causing severe damage to the lungs, intestines, and kidneys, along with internal bleeding.
In the digestive tract, seagrass was found in the mouth, and the stomach was tightly packed with seagrass. Food was present throughout the small and large intestines, indicating normal feeding behaviour before death.
The presumed cause of death was sudden shock from extensive blood loss caused by severe injuries. These injuries are believed to have resulted from a high-impact collision with a boat or jet ski.