Concerns Rise as Undernourished Dugong Spotted in Trang Raises Alarm for Marine Ecosystem

In Trang’s Koh Libong area, a sanctuary renowned for its dugongs, a sighting of an undernourished and feeble dugong has sparked concern among both the public and researchers.

The distressing condition of the animal underscores the pressing issue of dwindling seagrass in the region, attributed to human activities and climate change. The discovery of the undernourished dugong in Trang raises alarm for the marine ecosystem, prompting urgent attention from authorities and conservationists.

Santi Nirawat, director of the Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre (Lower Andaman Sea) at the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), emphasized that while the precise cause of the dugong’s poor health remains uncertain, the broader threat posed to marine life by deteriorating environmental conditions in their habitats is unmistakable.

Reports indicate that seagrass depletion around Koh Libong has been evident since 2019, with the DMCR documenting significant deterioration linked to sediment discharge into the sea as part of a river deepening operation.

Despite recommendations from the DMCR to halt the activity to safeguard marine life, seagrass recovery efforts yielded minimal results. Instead, concerns regarding the declining health of seagrass in various areas have escalated.

Santi disclosed alarming statistics, revealing that approximately 70% of the 34,000 rai of seagrass in Trang’s southern province have suffered severe damage.

The research center has also observed a shift in sediment composition, with an increase in sand content compared to soil sediment, potentially compromising the resilience of the seagrass ecosystem.

Efforts to address these challenges are imperative to safeguard the fragile marine ecosystem and the iconic dugongs that call it home.

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In a concerning development, the delicate balance of marine ecosystems around Trang’s Koh Libong area, known for its dugongs, faces significant threats. Unusually high and low tide patterns, resulting in prolonged and shallower low tides, have caused seagrass to dry out, unable to withstand the intensified sunlight.

Additionally, suspicions arise about a fungus affecting the seagrass, exacerbating the situation.

This alarming scenario of seagrass degradation raises urgent concerns for the marine ecosystem, particularly regarding the dwindling population of dugongs.

The team of marine academics and experts are diligently investigating the root causes behind the deteriorating condition of the seagrass.

However, multiple adverse factors, including the impact of climate change, have converged, exacerbating the situation.

As a precautionary measure, the center advises against establishing a new seagrass plantation at the damaged site, advocating for natural recovery processes. Furthermore, locals are urged to minimize human activities such as fishing in the area to mitigate further damage.

A recent survey conducted by the center revealed a drastic decline in the dugong population, with only 36 individuals observed around Koh Libong and neighboring isles, a stark contrast to the 194 counted the previous year.

It is speculated that the dugongs have migrated to areas with more abundant seagrass resources. Tracking their movements, authorities anticipate their new habitat to remain in close proximity to Koh Libong, reflecting their reliance on seagrass habitats. Potential relocation sites include the waters surrounding Krabi and Satun.

Trang, Krabi, and Satun are identified as critical seagrass sites in Thailand, constituting approximately 70% of the country’s total seagrass coverage. However, despite this significance, the dugong population remains relatively small, estimated at around 200 nationwide.

The alarming decline in seagrass, their primary food source, raises serious concerns about the species’ survival and underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Petch Manopawitr, a conservation scientist and DMCR adviser, emphasizes the dire implications of declining seagrass health, signaling imminent consequences for global climate change.

He warns of potential coral reef bleaching events, reminiscent of the widespread devastation witnessed in 2010 in Mu Koh Surin National Park in Phangnga province.

In response to these challenges, Romtham Khumnurak, a Democrat Party representative from Phatthalung, urges the government to take decisive action against climate change.

He stresses the importance of addressing the seagrass loss issue as a national priority, involving all stakeholders, given its profound impact on livelihoods and ecosystems. The collective effort is essential in safeguarding marine biodiversity and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on coastal communities.