In 2024, the 45th Dugong Carcass was found in the Andaman Sea

The village head of Ban Bo Mamuang, Mr. Sitthichai Bo Mamuang, reported to the Lower Andaman Sea Marine Resources Research Centre that the dugong carcass was discovered by residents on December 29 close to the dock in Moo 4, Sai Khao Subdistrict, Khlong Thom District, Krabi. According to initial investigations, the carcass belonged to a male dugong that was 200 cm long and weighed about 100 kg. The animal looked emaciated and was not yet fully matured.

With bite marks that matched the natural behavior of dugong herds and barnacles coating its surface, the carcass was deemed fresh. No serious wounds or injuries from fishing were discovered. In the past four days, there have been three reports of dugong carcasses. On December 26, representatives of the Navy’s Marine Security Unit (NRPT) based on Koh Lanta Noi notified the Lower Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center of the discovery of another young male dugong that had washed up on the shores of Moo 4, Koh Lanta Yai Subdistrict, Koh Lanta District, Krabi, close to Koh Po Pier.

The dugong was discovered in a fresh state, with a body that was normally covered in barnacles and displaying bite marks from herd behavior. Another young male dugong was discovered washed up on the shores of Ban Lo Yai Beach in Koh Lanta Noi Subdistrict, Koh Lanta District, Krabi, on the same day. But this carcass was already disintegrated. There were no noticeable wounds or indications of fishing gear-related injuries on either carcass. Given that there have been an alarming 45 dugong carcasses this year, the series of occurrences underscores the continued worries around dugong mortality in the Andaman region.