45th Dugong Carcass Found in the Andaman Sea in 2024

Picture courtesy of Sea Marine Resources Research Centre

A male juvenile dugong, emaciated and with barnacles attached to its body, was discovered washed ashore near the Ban Bo Mamuang Pier in Khlong Thom District, Krabi. This marks the 45th dugong carcass found in the Andaman Sea this year.

On December 30, the Lower Andaman Sea Marine Resources Research Centre received a report from Mr. Sitthichai Bo Mamuang, the village head of Ban Bo Mamuang, who informed them that locals had found the dugong carcass on December 29 near the pier in Moo 4, Sai Khao Subdistrict, Khlong Thom District, Krabi.

Preliminary examinations revealed that the carcass belonged to a male dugong measuring 200 cm in length and weighing approximately 100 kg. The animal was not yet fully grown and appeared malnourished. The body was classified as fresh, with barnacles covering its surface and bite marks consistent with natural dugong herd behaviour. No significant injuries or fishing-related wounds were found. This discovery is the third dugong carcass reported in the last four days.

On December 26, the Lower Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre was informed by officials from the Navy’s Marine Security Unit (NRPT) stationed on Koh Lanta Noi about another juvenile male dugong washed ashore near Koh Po Pier in Moo 4, Koh Lanta Yai Subdistrict, Koh Lanta District, Krabi. That dugong was found in fresh condition, with its body in normal condition but similarly covered in barnacles and showing bite marks from herd behaviour.

On the same day, another male juvenile dugong was found washed ashore at Ban Lo Yai Beach in Koh Lanta Noi Subdistrict, Koh Lanta District, Krabi. However, this carcass was in a decomposed state. Both carcasses showed no significant injuries or evidence of fishing gear-related wounds.

This string of incidents highlights ongoing concerns about dugong mortality in the Andaman region, as this year’s count has reached an alarming 45 carcasses.

-- 2024-12-31