The once-thriving dugong population along Thailand’s Andaman Coast is collapsing, with numbers plummeting from 273 in 2022 to an estimated half that today. This decline isn’t just a local tragedy; Thailand holds one of only six viable dugong populations outside Australia, making this crisis globally significant. The situation raises critical questions about the future of these gentle marine mammals in a rapidly changing environment.
The Disappearing Seagrass: The Root of the Problem
The primary driver behind the dugong decline is the widespread die-off of seagrass, their primary food source. Recent assessments by international scientists confirm that dugongs are “seagrass community specialists,” requiring up to 60 kilograms of the plant daily. Coastal waters in Trang province, previously a dugong stronghold, now show virtually no seagrass remaining. This devastation forces animals to migrate—or starve.
The exact cause of the seagrass die-off remains unclear, but multiple factors likely contribute. These include:
- Siltation and Pollution: Runoff from construction and agriculture smothers seagrass, blocking sunlight and introducing harmful nutrients.
- Warmer Waters: Climate change-driven temperature increases stress seagrass ecosystems, making them more vulnerable.
- Dredging: Coastal development projects disrupt seagrass beds, further reducing habitat.
The situation is alarming because the die-off isn’t linked to a single catastrophic event, suggesting a chronic, worsening condition. This means the problem isn’t just about recovery after a disaster; it’s about systemic degradation.
From Abundance to Isolation: The Case of Miracle
The story of Miracle, a lone dugong tracked by local photographer Theerasak Saksritawee, encapsulates the crisis. Once part of a group of 13 dugongs in Tang Khen Bay, Miracle is now the last remaining resident. The others either starved, migrated, or, like Jingjok, a young female, died.
Miracle’s isolation isn’t just anecdotal; it reflects a broader trend. Dead or emaciated dugongs have washed ashore in record numbers, doubling from 20 per year between 2019-2022 to 42 per year from 2023-2024. This isn’t a natural fluctuation; it’s a rapid, catastrophic loss.
The Human Factor: Tourism and Development
The crisis is exacerbated by Thailand’s booming tourism industry. Dugongs are migrating toward Phuket, a major tourist destination, where they face increased boat traffic and habitat disruption. The influx of visitors puts additional strain on an already fragile ecosystem.
While the Thai government has taken steps to plant new seagrass and supplement dugong food, these efforts are insufficient given the scale of the problem. Ecologist Petch Manopawitr warns that the ecosystem is “much more fragile than we have believed before.”
A Fragile Future: What Can Be Done?
The future of Thailand’s dugongs hinges on immediate, effective conservation measures. Key steps include:
- Locally Managed Marine Areas: Empowering local communities to protect critical habitats.
- Adaptive Protected Areas: Creating ocean corridors to facilitate dugong migration.
- Stricter Coastal Development Regulations: Minimizing pollution and habitat destruction from construction and agriculture.
The crisis underscores a harsh reality: ecosystems under pressure from climate change and human activity can collapse rapidly. Saving Thailand’s dugongs requires not just scientific intervention, but a fundamental shift toward sustainable coastal management.
The loss of these creatures isn’t just an environmental tragedy; it’s a warning signal that the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems is unraveling, and the consequences will be felt far beyond Thailand’s shores.
