The oceans are sending us a distress signal, and it’s washing up on Thailand’s shores in the form of dead and stranded dugongs—the gentle, endangered marine mammals often called ‘sea cows.’ But here’s where it gets heartbreaking: these creatures, once thriving in the Andaman Coast, are now vanishing at an alarming rate, with experts suggesting their population has plummeted by more than half. What’s causing this crisis? And what does it reveal about the health of our seas? Let’s dive in.
Thailand’s Andaman Coast was once a haven for one of the world’s largest dugong populations, boasting an estimated 273 individuals as recently as 2022. But in recent years, the sight of these majestic creatures washing ashore, lifeless or stranded, has become all too common. Following the footsteps of filmmakers Mailee Osten-Tan and Nick Axelrod, who’ve been documenting this crisis for a Guardian documentary, I traveled to Phuket in late November to uncover the story behind these tragic events.
And this is the part most people miss: the very presence of dugongs in Phuket is a red flag. Normally, they thrive in the seagrass-rich waters of Trang province, about 62 miles (100km) away. But something has driven them to venture farther afield, and it’s not just about food scarcity. It’s a symptom of a larger, more alarming issue—a biodiversity crisis brewing beneath the waves.
For over a decade, I’ve reported on the extinction crisis facing our planet’s biodiversity, from vanishing species in forests to those across the Arctic tundra. Yet, the struggles of marine life often go unnoticed until their bodies wash ashore. Even then, they rarely capture the same attention as their land-based counterparts. Here’s a bold question: Are we ignoring the plight of marine species simply because they lack the charisma of, say, a panda or a tiger? If so, what does that say about our priorities?
Enter Theerasak Saksritawee, or ‘Pop,’ a local photographer who’s been using captivating drone images to shed light on the dugongs’ plight. With 26,000 Instagram followers, Pop is building a social movement to champion their protection. ‘Many people focus on sea turtles and dolphins,’ he says. ‘Some don’t even know where a dugong’s eyes are.’ His efforts highlight the importance of amplifying the voices of these overlooked creatures.
During my visit, I encountered a territorial Chinese goose that had grown protective of Pop—a reminder of Miracle, the lone dugong left in Tang Khen Bay as of late 2025. Once, 13 dugongs called this bay home, grazing on the seagrass that carpets the ocean floor. But Miracle, named for surviving two beach strandings, chased the others away, guarding the dwindling seagrass for himself. This story isn’t just sad—it’s a stark reminder of the desperation these animals face.
Environmental scientists are deeply concerned about the dugongs’ presence in Phuket. The seagrass meadows in Trang province, their usual habitat, have been dying off in recent years, forcing them to travel farther in search of food. But here’s where it gets controversial: while coral reefs have suffered from rising sea temperatures, Thailand’s Andaman Sea actually experienced cooler temperatures in 2023. So, what’s killing the seagrass? Scientists suspect a complex mix of factors: pollution, dredging, silt reducing light penetration, and even extreme tidal exposure. It’s a puzzle with no easy answers.
One glimmer of hope is the UN’s high seas treaty, which recently came into force. This agreement aims to protect and sustainably manage marine life in the two-thirds of the ocean beyond national jurisdiction, helping to meet the global goal of safeguarding 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. But will it be enough?
As I wandered through Phuket’s bustling old town, I searched for signs that dugongs were gaining cultural recognition—a key step in their protection. Among the tourist trinkets, I found just one item: a pin featuring a cartoonish dugong with clearly visible eyes. It’s a small start, but it raises a thought-provoking question: Can cultural appreciation save these creatures from extinction?
What do you think? Is the world doing enough to protect marine species like the dugong? Or are we turning a blind eye to their plight? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s start a conversation that could make a difference.
