Trang, Thailand – The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) is accelerating rescue planning after a dugong was found entangled in fishing rope near Koh Libong in southern Thailand’s Andaman Sea.

Officials from the Lower Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center have been closely monitoring the animal since February 15 using multirotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to track its movements and assess its condition.

32 Dugongs Spotted During Aerial Survey

During recent aerial surveys near Laem Ju Hoi, marine authorities recorded 32 dugongs in the area — including the injured animal, which had a rope from fishing gear wrapped around its body.

According to officials, the dugong had drifted approximately 140 meters from where it was first observed and was later sighted roughly 480 meters offshore near the Mu Ko Libong Non-Hunting Area.

Despite the entanglement, the dugong appears to be behaving normally. Observations show it swimming and diving naturally, surfacing regularly to breathe, and continuing to feed alongside other dugongs.

Rough Sea Conditions Delay Immediate Rescue

Rescue operations have been complicated by challenging sea conditions. Authorities report:

• Turbid water and suspended sediment

• Strong currents

• Limited underwater visibility

These conditions have made close tracking and immediate intervention difficult. Veterinary teams and marine experts are carefully assessing the situation to ensure that any rescue attempt does not further stress or injure the animal.

Officials are also coordinating with relevant agencies and local communities to plan a safe and effective operation as soon as conditions improve.

Why Koh Libong Is Critical for Dugong Conservation

Koh Libong is Thailand’s largest island in the province of Trang and is widely recognized as one of the country’s most important habitats for dugongs. The island sits along the Andaman Sea and is surrounded by extensive seagrass meadows — the primary food source for dugongs.

The waters around Koh Libong are part of protected zones, including the Mu Ko Libong Non-Hunting Area, established to safeguard wildlife and marine biodiversity. The island is also home to traditional fishing communities that have long coexisted with marine life.

Koh Libong gained international attention in recent years as Thailand intensified conservation efforts following a decline in dugong populations due to:

• Fishing gear entanglement

• Loss of seagrass habitat

• Marine pollution

• Boat strikes

Dugongs in Thailand – A Vulnerable Marine Species

Dugongs, often referred to as “sea cows,” are gentle marine mammals that graze on seagrass in shallow coastal waters. Thailand’s Andaman coast — particularly Trang province — is considered one of the country’s last strongholds for this endangered species.

Thailand has one of the largest remaining dugong populations in Southeast Asia, with Trang’s seagrass beds playing a crucial role in their survival. Regular aerial and drone surveys have become a key conservation tool, allowing authorities to monitor herd sizes, health conditions, and habitat quality.

The sighting of 32 dugongs in a single survey near Koh Libong is seen as a positive indicator that the habitat remains viable — but the current entanglement case highlights ongoing risks from fishing activities and marine debris.

Rescue Planning Moving Forward

The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources confirmed that veterinary teams are on standby while conditions are being evaluated daily. The goal is to remove the rope safely without causing panic, separation from the herd, or additional injury.

Authorities are urging fishermen and boat operators in the area to exercise caution and to report any further sightings immediately.

As rescue teams prepare for intervention, the incident serves as another reminder of the delicate balance between coastal livelihoods and marine conservation in Thailand’s Andaman Sea.

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