Three dugongs have been found dead since the beginning of this year, while many others are found to be too skinny due to a shortage of seagrass.
The remains of a dugong is found washed ashore at Koh Libong yesterday. (Photo: Department of Marine and Coastal Resources)
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) was yesterday alerted to the remains of a dugong being washed ashore at Koh Libong in Trang province.
An autopsy on the sea mammal will be performed by marine veterinarians to establish the cause of death.
According to DMCR, three dugongs have been found dead in Trang so far this year.
Yesterday, the Monsoon Garbage Thailand group on its Facebook page posted a picture of a skinny dugong on Koh Libong.
The group is urging relevant agencies to do something about the shortage of seagrass, which is a food source for the grazing animals.
Monsoon Garbage Thailand said there have recently been many sightings of skinny dugongs.
In response, marine environment academic Thon Thamrongnawasawat said that the decrease in seagrass is caused by global warming.
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources has formed a working team to examine the deterioration of seagrass and find measures to restore the food source.
The team, comprising rare aquatic animal, oceanography and seagrass experts as well as academics, last month surveyed the area to collect data and talk with local fishermen to find the cause and solution of the seagrass issues. The team will be deployed again from tomorrow until Saturday, said a DMCR source.