Thailand Escalates Dugong Protection Across 12 Risk Zones
Thailand's environment ministry is escalating the "Save Our Dugong" program, implementing strict boat speed limits and modifying fishing gear across 12 high-risk zones in five Andaman provinces to reduce human-caused deaths of the endangere
Natural Resources Minister Suchart Chomklin revealed that the government is prioritizing conservation and restoration of natural resources and the environment alongside sustainable community management and resource use, particularly protecting rare and endangered marine species vital to Thailand. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources is implementing an upgraded "Save Our Dugong" programme targeting 12 zones across five Andaman provinces, with the primary goal of reducing dugong deaths from human activity to zero.
The 12 target areas consist of six zones at risk from vessel collisions and six at risk from fishing gear entanglement. Vessel collision zones include Rattada Port in Phuket, Bang Rong Port in Phuket, the Koh Yao Noi–Koh Yao Yai channel in Phang Nga, Hat Noppharat Thara–Ao Nang Port in Krabi, Pak Meng–Koh Mook Port in Trang, and Koh Libong–Hat Yao in Trang.
The first measure organizes vessel routes and enforces speed limits. Within 1 kilometre of shore, vessels are limited to 5 knots; within 2 kilometres, 10 knots; and within 3 kilometres, 20 knots. In seagrass beds, the limit is 5 knots, or 3 knots within national parks. Buoys and markers will designate lanes and boundaries.
The second measure modifies fishing gear to be dugong-friendly in six zones: Koh Chang–Koh Piam in Ranong, Koh Ra–Koh Phra Thong in Phang Nga, Pak Klok–Tang Khen in Phuket, Hat Noppharat Thara in Krabi, Koh Sri Boya in Krabi, and Koh Mook–Koh Libong in Trang. Single crab traps will be prohibited in seagrass beds, mooring lines upgraded to 4–5 millimetre giant-fibre rope, and weak links added to allow dugongs to escape. Trap nets are forbidden in seagrass beds and must be monitored after placement. Large fish nets are prohibited in seagrass beds and must be set at least 1 kilometre away.
Minister Suchart stressed that the measures aim to provide people with livelihoods, sustain communities, and protect nature. He directed the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources to educate boat owners, fishers, and operators about the new requirements.
