August 17 Designated as National Dugong Preservation Day
Thailand's marine life is under threat, with the population of dugongs, a vulnerable species, facing significant challenges. Over the past few years, the dugong population has shown a gradual increase, rising from 221 in 2016 to 282 in 2021. However, the mortality rate has sharply worsened, averaging 25 deaths per year since 2019, compared to 13 per year between 2005 and 2018.
The day of National Dugong Conservation is observed annually on August 17 in Thailand, serving as a reminder of everyone's role in protecting these creatures. This day was established by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to raise awareness about marine conservation and the protection of endangered species.
The establishment of the Dugong Protection Command Centre is a significant step towards addressing threats to Thailand's dugong population, particularly the degradation of seagrass beds. Protective installations have been set up around Libong Island, and supplementary seagrass plots are being developed to expand food sources for the species.
Agencies such as the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) are involved in surveying and monitoring dugong populations. Rescue teams have been formed and equipped with aerial drones to monitor and assist dugongs in danger.
The causes of dugong deaths are varied, with illness, marine accidents, ingestion of marine debris, and entanglement in fishing gear being common. Tragic incidents such as the death of Mariam, an orphaned baby dugong that died from plastic waste, and the subsequent death of another baby dugong named Yamil, have highlighted the threat of marine debris to Thailand's marine life.
According to data from the DMCR's Marine and Coastal Resources Knowledge Centre, Thailand's dugong population has slightly increased over the past few years, but the number of deaths has raised extinction concerns. The key threats to dugongs include decline in seagrass beds, coastal degradation, entanglement in fishing gear, boat collisions, and ingestion of marine debris.
Dugongs serve as indicators of healthy coastal ecosystems, and their protection is crucial for the richness of Thailand's seas. In 2023, 36 dugong strandings occurred, with 32 dying upon stranding, 4 being rescued alive, and 3 successfully released.
While specific mortality rates and detailed population statistics by year or for the entire period 2005–2025 are not readily available in open public datasets, contacting relevant Thai governmental wildlife authorities or international conservation groups that monitor dugongs would be necessary for up-to-date and precise figures.
In conclusion, the protection and conservation of Thailand's dugong population is a pressing issue that requires continued attention and action. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring the survival of these creatures and preserving the health of Thailand's marine ecosystems.
- Protecting the endangered dugong population in Thailand is not only crucial for the health of marine life but also signifies the wellbeing of our whole ecosystem.
- As indicators of healthy coastal ecosystems, dugongs alert us to the state of our environment, making it essential to implement sustainable living practices, especially in home-and-garden and lifestyle management.
- Awareness about climate change and environmental science can help us understand the factors threatening dugongs, such as the degradation of seagrass beds, marine debris, and ocean pollution - issues that also significantly impact businesses relying on a healthy marine environment.
- By supporting environmental-science research and adopting sustainable-living practices, we can contribute to the preservation of Thailand's marine life and help ensure the recovery and survival of the dugong population for future generations.
