Thailand's Dugong Crisis: A Deep Dive into the Plight of Sea Cows

Thailand's Andaman Coast, home to one of the largest dugong populations globally, has seen a dramatic decline in these marine mammals. As of 2022, estimates suggested around 273 dugongs inhabited the region, but recent reports indicate that the population may have fallen by more than half due to various environmental pressures. The situation has garnered attention from local conservationists and scientists, who are investigating the causes behind this alarming trend.

The Guardian

Theerasak Saksritawee, known as Pop, is a local photographer and conservationist actively documenting the plight of dugongs in Tang Khen Bay. With a following of 26,000 on Instagram, he aims to raise awareness about the species, which often receives less attention compared to more charismatic marine animals like sea turtles and dolphins. Pop has been monitoring the last remaining dugong, named Miracle, who has become a symbol of the species' struggle in the area.

The Guardian

The decline of the dugong population is closely linked to a significant die-off of seagrass, their primary food source. An assessment by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals in August 2025 highlighted that dugongs are critically endangered in many regions due to habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and boat strikes. In Thailand, the seagrass meadows, particularly in Trang province, have suffered severe degradation, leading to increased mortality rates among dugongs. Reports indicate that from 2019 to 2022, an average of 20 dugong strandings occurred annually, which more than doubled to 42 from 2023 to 2024.

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The seagrass die-off is attributed to various factors, including increased sedimentation, pollution from construction activities, and climate change, which has led to warmer sea temperatures. Local residents, including Pop and Manee Sanae, who runs a roti stall near Tang Khen Bay, have observed a marked decrease in seagrass and dugong sightings. The construction of new hotels and heavy rains have exacerbated the situation, washing pollutants into the bay and further harming the fragile ecosystem.

The Guardian

Petch Manopawitr, an ecologist advising Thailand's marine and coastal resources department, stated, “We have probably easily lost half the population.” He emphasized the need for locally managed marine areas and adaptive measures to create ocean corridors for migrating dugongs. While some government efforts have been made to plant new seagrass, experts argue that these interventions are insufficient to sustain the dugong population long-term.

The Guardian

Despite efforts to protect dugongs, critics argue that current measures are inadequate. The rapid decline in seagrass and the increasing threats from tourism and pollution highlight the need for more robust conservation strategies. Local conservationists like Pop are advocating for greater awareness and community involvement in protecting the dugongs and their habitat.

The Guardian

Moving forward, conservationists are hopeful that the dugongs that have migrated to Krabi may begin to reproduce, offering a glimmer of hope for the species. Local initiatives, including online groups dedicated to monitoring and protecting dugongs, are gaining traction, as residents strive to safeguard Miracle and the remaining dugong population along Thailand's Andaman Coast.

The Guardian

• “Dugongs are a vital part of my home.” — Theerasak Saksritawee, Conservationist

The Guardian

• “We never really imagined we were going to lose such a vast area of seagrass – the last stronghold of seagrass in Thailand – in a very short period of time.” — Petch Manopawitr, Ecologist

The Guardian

• “Many people, when they think of conservation, focus on sea turtles and dolphins,” — Theerasak Saksritawee, Conservationist

The Guardian