Thailand Launches Dugong Protection Plan After 209 Strandings
Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources launched an urgent protection plan for dugongs after 209 strandings in a decade, with the species facing extinction below 100 individuals by 2030 if threats persist. New measures across
Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) has stepped up measures to protect dugongs after recording 209 strandings over the past decade, warning that the country's population could fall below 100 by 2030 if current losses continue.
DMCR Director-General Pinsak Suraswadi said the department is expanding its Save Our Dugong programme under Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin's policy to protect rare and endangered marine species and reduce the impact of human activity on marine ecosystems.
The department has identified 12 high-risk areas across five Andaman coast provinces where dugongs face threats from boat strikes and fishing gear. Two urgent measures will be introduced, covering vessel routes and speeds as well as changes to fishing equipment.
Six areas have been identified as being at particular risk from boat collisions: Rassada Pier in Phuket, Bang Rong Pier in Phuket, the Koh Yao Noi–Koh Yao Yai channel in Phang Nga, the Nopparat Thara Beach Pier–Ao Nam Mao Pier route in Krabi, Pak Meng Pier–Koh Muk in Trang, and Koh Libong Pier–Hat Yao in Trang.
Buoys and other markers will be installed to define navigation routes, while speed limits will vary according to distance from shore. Boats travelling within one kilometre of the coast will be limited to 5 knots, within two kilometres to 10 knots and within three kilometres to 20 knots. Speeds will also be limited to 5 knots over seagrass beds and 3 knots over seagrass areas inside national parks.
Another six areas have been identified as being at risk from fishing gear: Koh Chang–Koh Phayam in Ranong, Koh Ra–Koh Phra Thong in Phang Nga, Pa Khlok–Tang Khen in Phuket, Nopparat Thara in Krabi, Koh Sriboya in Krabi, and Koh Muk–Koh Libong in Trang.
The department plans to modify fishing practices to reduce the risk of dugongs becoming entangled or injured. Single crab traps using one trap per buoy will not be allowed in seagrass areas, and buoy lines will be changed to 5mm braided rope to reduce the risk of entanglement.
