Rising Dugong Deaths in Thailand’s Andaman Sea

Coastal waters along Thailand’s Andaman Sea have recently seen a troubling increase in the number of dead or stranded dugongs, one of the world’s rarest and most endangered marine mammals. Known as the “sea cow,” the dugong (Dugong dugon) is a gentle, slow-moving herbivore that depends almost entirely on healthy seagrass meadows for survival. The growing number of strandings has alarmed scientists, conservationists, and local communities, raising urgent questions about the health of coastal ecosystems and the future of this iconic species.

The Dugong: A Unique and Vulnerable Marine Mammal

Dugongs are the only strictly marine herbivorous mammals and one of the last surviving members of the order Sirenia, which also includes manatees. They can grow up to three meters in length and weigh more than 400 kilograms. Despite their size, dugongs are extremely sensitive to environmental changes. Their slow reproduction rate — a single calf every three to seven years — makes population recovery exceptionally difficult once numbers decline.

Globally, dugongs are classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with some regional populations considered critically endangered. Thailand’s Andaman Sea coast represents one of the last remaining strongholds for dugongs in Southeast Asia, making recent mortality trends particularly concerning.

Why Dugongs Matter to Coastal Ecosystems

Dugongs play a crucial ecological role by grazing on seagrass meadows. Their feeding behavior helps maintain healthy, productive seagrass beds, which in turn support fish populations, stabilize sediments, and store large amounts of carbon. Seagrass ecosystems are among the most effective natural carbon sinks on Earth, making dugongs indirect allies in the fight against climate change.

When dugong populations decline, it often signals deeper environmental problems. The loss of these animals can accelerate the degradation of seagrass habitats, leading to cascading effects throughout coastal food webs.

Rising Strandings Along the Andaman Coast

In recent years, Thai marine authorities have reported a noticeable increase in dugongs found dead or stranded along the Andaman Sea coastline, including areas near Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Many of the animals discovered were juveniles or females, which poses an even greater threat to long-term population stability.

Necropsies conducted on several carcasses have revealed multiple contributing factors, rather than a single cause. This suggests that dugongs in the region are facing a combination of environmental pressures that together overwhelm their ability to survive.

Main Causes Behind the Increase in Dugong Deaths

1. Seagrass Habitat Loss

The primary cause of dugong mortality in Thailand is the rapid decline of seagrass meadows. Coastal development, dredging, tourism infrastructure, and sediment runoff from land have significantly reduced both the size and quality of seagrass habitats. Without sufficient food, dugongs are forced to travel longer distances, increasing exhaustion and vulnerability.

2. Water Pollution

Pollution from untreated wastewater, agricultural runoff, plastics, and oil contamination has degraded coastal water quality. Polluted waters can kill seagrass directly or weaken it over time. Ingested plastics and toxic substances may also cause internal injuries or long-term health problems in dugongs.

3. Fishing Gear Entanglement

Accidental entanglement in fishing nets remains a serious threat. Dugongs often forage in shallow waters where small-scale fisheries operate. Because dugongs must surface to breathe, entanglement can quickly lead to drowning.

4. Boat Strikes

Increasing boat traffic from tourism and coastal transport has raised the risk of collisions. Dugongs move slowly and often feed near the surface, making them particularly vulnerable to propeller injuries.

5. Climate Change Impacts

Rising sea temperatures, stronger storms, and changes in water clarity linked to climate change further stress seagrass ecosystems. Extreme weather events can uproot seagrass beds, reducing food availability almost overnight.

The Human Dimension

Coastal communities in southern Thailand have long coexisted with dugongs, which are deeply embedded in local culture and folklore. For many residents, the recent strandings are not only an environmental tragedy but also an emotional loss. Fishermen are often the first to report stranded animals, and local volunteers frequently assist marine authorities in rescue and recovery efforts.

At the same time, economic pressures from tourism, fishing, and coastal development complicate conservation efforts. Balancing livelihoods with ecosystem protection remains one of the region’s greatest challenges.

Conservation Efforts in Thailand

Thailand has taken several important steps to protect dugongs and their habitats. Marine protected areas have been established in key seagrass zones, and dugongs are legally protected under national wildlife laws. Authorities have also introduced speed restrictions for boats in sensitive areas and promoted the use of dugong-friendly fishing gear.

Research institutions and universities are actively monitoring dugong populations using aerial surveys, drones, and satellite tracking. These studies provide valuable data on movement patterns, feeding areas, and mortality risks.

The Role of Public Awareness and Ecotourism

Public awareness campaigns have become a cornerstone of dugong conservation. Educational programs in schools and coastal villages help people understand why dugongs matter and how daily activities affect marine ecosystems.

Responsible ecotourism also offers hope. When properly managed, dugong-watching tours can generate income for local communities while creating incentives to protect seagrass habitats. However, strict guidelines are essential to avoid disturbing the animals.

What More Needs to Be Done

Despite existing efforts, the rising number of dugong deaths shows that current measures are not enough. Stronger enforcement of pollution controls, expanded marine protected areas, and better coordination between government agencies are urgently needed.

International cooperation is also critical, as dugongs migrate across national borders. Regional conservation strategies involving neighboring countries could significantly improve survival prospects for the species.

A Warning Sign for the Andaman Sea

The increase in dugong strandings along Thailand’s Andaman Sea coast is more than an isolated wildlife issue. It is a clear warning sign that coastal ecosystems are under severe stress. Protecting dugongs means protecting seagrass meadows, water quality, and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on healthy oceans.

If decisive action is taken now, there is still hope that dugongs will continue to glide through Thailand’s coastal waters for generations to come. Their survival depends not only on conservation policies, but on collective responsibility to respect and protect the fragile balance of the marine environment.

Sources

• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – Dugong Species Profile
• Thailand Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR)
• UN Environment Programme – Seagrass and Blue Carbon Reports
• WWF – Dugong Conservation and Marine Mammals