Ministry Initiates Comprehensive Measures to Protect Dugongs Amidst Climate Challenges.

Bangkok: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is mobilizing all measures to protect the dugongs. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment has ordered the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources and the Department of National Parks to join forces to take action on measures to protect dugongs and seagrass habitats. Mr. Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, stated that the collaboration aims to address the challenges posed by climate volatility, which has resulted in insufficient food for dugongs due to deteriorating seagrass. This situation has forced dugongs to migrate, increasing their risk of stranding and exposure to dangers from human activities like boating and fishing. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chatuporn Buruspat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, chaired a brainstorming session to establish concrete measures to address the dugong stranding crisis and the deterioration of seagrass. Four main measures w ere outlined, including an urgent plan to increase food for dugongs by planting grass on land, using it as food, supplementing with ordered seagrass, and blocking off natural seagrass areas to promote growth. Mr. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, and the Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, are leading a team to monitor the situation. They are engaging with local communities and government agencies in Phuket Province to develop measures for preventing dugong strandings and restoring seagrass habitats. This includes the establishment of a working group for coordination, a volunteer team and patrol unit for monitoring, and public awareness initiatives to inform coastal communities and boat operators about dugong habitats. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources will play a central role in preparing an operational plan with the National Park Department, seeking urgent budget approval and procuring neces sary equipment for long-term conservation efforts. The department has previously set guidelines under the Coral Reef and Marine Life Conservation Project initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, including training on assisting dugongs and rare marine animals, and establishing a rare marine animal hospital in Phuket and Rayong provinces. Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, highlighted the need for action in Trang Province, where significant seagrass loss has occurred. The department plans to use its funds to create a dugong nursery and is seeking central government support for a rehabilitation center, seagrass breeding center, and related research and patrol efforts. The initiative aims to ensure a future increase in the dugong population through coordinated efforts in areas such as Rawai Beach, Bang Khwan Beach, and Pa Klok Beach, with a particular focus on Phang Nga Bay.