Bangkok, “Pacharawat” orders the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to set up a war room to solve the problem of Andaman dugongs continuing to die. In the first 5 months of 2024, 20 have died. Requesting cooperation from all sectors to protect them. dugong which is a protected wild animal Ready to consider using measures to close tourism and set aside marine protected areas. Find conservation methods to prevent extinction.
Pol. Gen. Patcharawat Wongsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, revealed that Ordered the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources together with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to set up a joint command center to solve the dugong problem, a rare marine animal that is dying in large numbers and more frequently in the Andaman Sea. In the provinces of Satun, Trang, Krabi, Phang Nga, Phuket and Ranong.
Dugongs are protected wildlife number 6 according to the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act 2019
and can be seen in large numbers in Trang Province. Around Koh Libong, Koh Mook, Krabi Province, around Koh Pu, Koh Jum, Koh Sriboya, Koh Lanta and areas along the coast.
In the past, dugongs died from natural illnesses. Fighting among themselves and accidentally getting caught in fishing gear or being hit by a boat or being hit by a boat propeller But at present it is due to global warming. This causes the seagrass resources to degrade and disappear in large numbers. Some dugongs live in Trang and Krabi provinces. Move to find food for sea grass along the coast in other nearby provinces. Still unable to adapt well enough In addition, there is a lot of water traffic and fishing activities in the area, especially in the Phang Nga Bay area. As a result, dugongs have an increased death rate from water accidents and fishing equipment.
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Pol. Gen. Patcharawat said that Instruct the two agencies to jointly determine guidelines for preventing and solving the problem of accidental death of dugongs. In the
area where dugongs and seagrass are spread Around Phang Nga Bay, 11 areas include: 1. Ao Tang Khen, Phuket 2. Ao Pa Khlok, Phuket 3. Ao Ban Khlong Khian, Phang Nga 4. Ko Mak, Phang Nga 5. Chong Lard, Ko Yao, Phang Nga 6. Ao Tha Pom, Krabi 7. Ao Nang, Krabi 8. Ao Nam Mao, Krabi 9. Koh Sriboya, Koh Pu, Krabi 10. Koh Lanta, Krabi and 11. Laem Sai, Krabi
Mr. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, said that It has given importance to creating understanding with coastal community networks and fishermen about the urgent need to work together to protect dugongs from extinction from the Thai seas.
This is due to cooperation from all sectors. Especially the coastal community network group is an important force in the work of the Department of Marine and National Parks. They will be mentors who will provide advice, understanding, and additional knowledge in various areas, such as refraining from using fishing gear that is harmful to the dugong’s life in the dugong’s habit
at. or in sea grass areas obey the law and do not fish in areas where dugongs live, etc.
Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director-General of the National Parks Department, said that he had joined with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. Find guidelines for determining measures to take care of and prevent injury and death of rare marine animals. Especially dugongs, which are now found to be stranded on an increased basis due to the deterioration of the seagrass beds that are their food. This results in the movement of the dugong population to other seagrass areas where there may be a lot of water traffic and fishing until accidents cause the dugong to die.
Nopparat Thara Beach-Phi Phi Islands National Park proposes conservation measures for dugongs and seagrass beds by setting up markers showing seagrass zones and risky areas that dugongs use on their migratory journeys to find food. This will be made into practice and then issued as a national park announcement. To serve as an example and expand th
e results to marine protected areas in other areas.
The measures that both agencies will take together are as follows.
1. If a dugong is seen injured or dead Call the hotline number 1362 for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Will coordinate with nearby officials to help bring them to the rare marine animal rescue center of the Department of Marine and Coastal Marine Animals. available in the area
2. Announcement to tour operators and citizens who use vehicles for water travel. Navigate along the main waterway. By asking for cooperation to refrain from sailing in the seagrass area. and if it is necessary to navigate through the sea grass boundary The speed should not exceed 3 knots and not more than 20 knots in coastal areas that are the dugong spreading zone.
3. Public relations to people who engage in fishing in seagrass areas and dugong breeding grounds. Check often Continuously monitor and monitor fishing equipment while in operation. or avoid fishing in the said area
In addition, t
hey will jointly use technology for conservation. By flying to survey the dugong population. To check the number and plan the conservation of dugongs. Including patrolling to ensure that no boats disturb or engage in illegal fishing that may harm the dugong herd.
As well as strictly following the laws and regulations. In order to conserve and protect dugongs, if it is found that activities from tourism and tours or fishing are the cause of death of dugongs. Measures will be enforced to close tourism and block entry and exit areas in the national park. wildlife reserve and marine protected areas
In this regard, affiliated units have been ordered to publicize business operators. And people who use the marine and coastal areas have already been informed of the guidelines for protecting and helping dugongs.
During the period 7-11 May 2024, 4 dugongs were found dead, including the first one found on 7 May 2024. The dugong was found dead from an accident when a boat propeller hit the head of a female dugong. Aro
und the bay at the entrance to Nopparat Thara Beach Pier – Phi Phi Islands. Krabi Province Which is a place where a lot of tourist boats travel. The second one was found on May 9, 2024. A dugong was found stranded. Koh Mook pier area In Hat Chao Mai National Park, Trang Province, the cause was a severe blow to the head. until the skull is broken It is believed to have been caused by fighting behavior. The 3rd and 4th parts were found on May 11, 2024. The remains of two female dugongs were found, which were mother and child, which were reported. The villagers helped to drag it to Koh Mak Noi. Koh Panyee Subdistrict Mueang Phang Nga District, Phang Nga Province
Information on the death of dugongs: in 2022, 18 were found, in 2023, 40 were found, and from the beginning of 2024 until now, 20 were found.
Source: Thai News Agency