The plight of Thailand's 'sea cows' is a stark reminder of the environmental crisis unfolding in our oceans. A shocking number of dugongs, the gentle marine mammals, are washing up on the Andaman Coast, indicating a potential population decline of over 50%. But why are these creatures, usually found in the seagrass meadows of Trang province, appearing in Phuket?
The story begins with a journey to Phuket, following the trail of filmmakers Mailee Osten-Tan and Nick Axelrod, who are documenting Thailand's dugong crisis for a Guardian documentary. The presence of dugongs in Phuket is a cause for concern, as it hints at a larger biodiversity crisis in our seas. But before delving into this issue, let's explore some essential reads.
Essential Reads:
- The fate of our coastlines is intimately tied to Antarctica's ice sheets. Will they melt rapidly, and what does this mean for sea levels? The answer remains uncertain.
- Axolotls, the charismatic amphibians, have captured the world's attention. But how did they become so popular?
- Labour's warm homes plan for the UK focuses on incentives rather than penalties. Will this approach be effective?
The Extinction Crisis:
As a journalist covering the extinction crisis for over a decade, I've witnessed the struggles of species in forests and across the Arctic tundra. But the challenges faced by marine life often remain hidden beneath the waves. The bodies of these creatures washing ashore are sometimes the only indication of their plight, and even then, they may receive less attention than their terrestrial counterparts. This is where individuals like Theerasak Saksritawee, or Pop, step in.
Pop, a local photographer, is using his drone to capture the dugongs' story, sharing it with his 26,000 Instagram followers to raise awareness. He believes that many people overlook dugongs in conservation efforts, focusing instead on sea turtles and dolphins. Pop aims to change this by highlighting the unique features of these 'sea cows', like their eyes, which are often hard to spot.
A Chinese goose's territorial behavior offers a glimpse into the lives of these marine mammals. The goose, protective of Pop, attacked me, mirroring the story of Miracle, the lone dugong in Tang Khen Bay. Once part of a group of 13, Miracle chased away the others to keep the seagrass for himself. This behavior is a result of the seagrass meadows in Trang province dying off, forcing dugongs to travel farther for food.
The seagrass die-off is a complex issue. Scientists initially considered whether higher sea temperatures played a role, similar to the devastating global coral bleaching event. However, the Andaman Sea experienced cooler temperatures in 2023, and by mid-2024, when temperatures rose, the dugong strandings were already widespread. The cause is likely a combination of factors: reduced light due to silt, pollution, dredging, increased nutrients, extreme temperatures, and more exposed tides during the day.
The UN's high seas treaty offers a glimmer of hope. This agreement aims to protect and manage marine life in international waters, helping to achieve the goal of safeguarding 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. But will it be enough?
In Phuket's old town, I searched for signs of dugongs in the tourist shops. Among the souvenirs, I found a single pin featuring a cartoonish dugong with prominent eyes. Could this be a sign of growing awareness? As Pop suggested, perhaps this is one way to protect these magnificent creatures.
But here's where it gets controversial: Are we doing enough to protect our oceans and the species that call them home? The high seas treaty is a step forward, but is it enough to tackle the complex crises our oceans face? What more can be done to ensure the survival of dugongs and other marine life? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's keep the conversation going.
