Thailand's 'sea cows' are in peril, with a crisis unfolding in our seas. The Andaman Coast, once home to one of the world's largest dugong populations, now faces a dire situation. As of 2022, an estimated 273 dugongs resided there, but recent years have seen a disturbing trend: more and more of these marine mammals are washing ashore, dead or stranded. Experts warn that the population may have plummeted by over half.
I embarked on a journey to Phuket, following the path of filmmakers Mailee Osten-Tan and Nick Axelrod, who have been investigating this crisis for a Guardian documentary. Their quest to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of dugongs in Thailand's waters is a call to action, shedding light on a larger biodiversity crisis.
The dugongs' presence in Phuket is a troubling sign. Typically, the majority of the Andaman Coast population resides in the waters of Trang province, known for its abundant seagrass meadows. However, a significant portion of this vital habitat has succumbed to the die-off in recent years. As a result, dugongs are venturing further and further in search of sustenance.
The fourth global mass coral bleaching event, which I've reported extensively on, has devastated the world's reefs. Scientists have considered whether higher-than-normal sea temperatures may have triggered Thailand's seagrass die-off, mirroring the fate of corals. Yet, in 2023, the Andaman Sea experienced cooler temperatures than usual, and by mid-2024, the dugong strandings and deaths were already occurring. The exact cause remains uncertain, but a combination of environmental factors is likely to blame.
The UN's high seas treaty, which entered into force, offers a glimmer of hope. This agreement aims to legally protect and sustainably manage marine life in the vast expanse beyond national jurisdiction, covering two-thirds of the ocean. It's a step towards safeguarding our oceans and meeting the global goal of protecting 30% of the world's oceans by 2030.
In Phuket's old town, amidst the bustling tourist season, I sought signs of the dugongs' cultural significance. While I found a pin featuring a cartoonish dugong, the animals are still not widely recognized. The challenge lies in raising awareness and fostering a cultural appreciation for these creatures, as photographer Theerasak Saksritawee (Pop) aims to do through his captivating drone images and Instagram presence. His efforts are crucial in building a social movement to protect dugongs and address the broader biodiversity crisis in our seas.
