Starfish, Salps Wash Up on Phuket's Karon Beach, Probe Ordered
Thailand's Natural Resources Minister has ordered an investigation after large numbers of starfish and salps washed up on Karon Beach in Phuket. Experts identified the species as non-toxic Spotted Starfish and pelagic salps, and preliminary water quality tests were normal. Officials suspect wind and currents drove the marine life ashore, but samples have been collected for further analysis.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Varawut Silpa-archa ordered close monitoring of marine and coastal resources and directed the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources to urgently investigate the case of numerous starfish and salp-like organisms washing up on Karon Beach, Phuket. The aim is to determine the cause and use the data for appropriate marine resource management, as well as to assess the situation and provide accurate understanding to the public and tourists.
Deputy Permanent Secretary Pheth Lythong, acting as Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, instructed the 10th Marine and Coastal Resources Office (MCR10) together with the Upper Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center (UMCR) to conduct an on-site inspection at Karon Beach, Karon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket Province. This followed reports of large numbers of starfish and jellyfish-like marine animals washing ashore.
Interviews with people in the area revealed the organisms were spread over a distance of no less than one kilometer, and most had already been washed back into the sea by waves. Expert examination identified the starfish as Spotted Starfish (Luidia maculata), averaging 20–30 centimeters in size, which typically inhabit sandy bottoms near coral reefs and coastal areas with a density of about 0.5 individuals per square meter. The salps (Salp) are free-floating pelagic tunicates with a density of about 15 individuals per square meter. Neither species is considered highly toxic to humans, though direct contact with salps should be avoided as it may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Preliminary seawater quality measurements were within normal standards: salinity 32 ppt, temperature 29.6°C, pH 7.95, and dissolved oxygen (DO) 6.6 mg/L. At the time of the survey, the sky was clear with fairly strong wind-driven waves.
Initial speculation suggests the phenomenon may have been caused by currents and wind driving the starfish and salps ashore. However, UMCR officials collected starfish and seawater samples for further laboratory analysis to determine the exact cause.
Officials also disseminated information about the discovered organisms and advised the public and local operators on precautions to prevent misunderstandings and reduce concern. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources will continue monitoring the investigation results to ensure public safety alongside sustainable conservation of marine and coastal resources.
