Our oceans are in crisis, and Thailand’s beloved ‘sea cows’ are sounding the alarm. Along the Andaman Coast, once a thriving haven for one of the world’s largest dugong populations, a grim reality is unfolding. These gentle marine mammals, affectionately known as sea cows, are washing ashore dead or stranded, signaling a deeper ecological catastrophe. Experts warn that their numbers may have plummeted by more than half in recent years—a stark reminder of the fragility of marine life. But here’s where it gets even more troubling: the very presence of dugongs in areas like Phuket is a red flag, pointing to the broader biodiversity crisis engulfing our seas. And this is the part most people miss: while charismatic species like sea turtles and dolphins often steal the conservation spotlight, dugongs—with their less obvious charm—are slipping away quietly, their plight largely unseen.
In late November, I journeyed to Phuket, following the trail of filmmakers Mailee Osten-Tan and Nick Axelrod, whose Guardian documentary has been shedding light on Thailand’s dugong crisis over the past year. Their work underscores the urgency of this issue, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. For over a decade, I’ve documented the extinction crisis ravaging the world’s biodiversity, from vanishing species in forests to those across the Arctic tundra. Yet, the struggles of marine life often remain hidden until their lifeless bodies wash ashore—and even then, they rarely capture the attention they deserve.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Could the same environmental factors devastating coral reefs—like rising sea temperatures—be behind the massive seagrass die-off in Thailand? Scientists initially thought so, but the Andaman Sea’s cooler-than-usual temperatures in 2023 complicate the narrative. By mid-2024, when temperatures spiked, dugong strandings were already rampant. The truth, experts suggest, is likely a complex interplay of factors: pollution, dredging, silt-choked waters, and more. This raises a thought-provoking question: Are we overlooking the interconnectedness of these crises, and what does that mean for the future of our oceans?
Amid this grim backdrop, there’s a glimmer of hope. The UN’s high seas treaty, which recently came into force, aims to protect and sustainably manage marine life in international waters—a crucial step toward safeguarding 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. But will it be enough?
On the ground, individuals like Theerasak Saksritawee, or Pop, are making a difference. A local photographer with 26,000 Instagram followers, Pop uses captivating drone images to highlight the dugongs’ plight, hoping to spark a social movement for their protection. ‘Many people focus on sea turtles and dolphins,’ he notes. ‘Some don’t even know where a dugong’s eyes are.’ His efforts remind us that conservation begins with awareness—and sometimes, a little charisma goes a long way.
As I wandered through Phuket’s bustling old town, I searched for signs that dugongs were gaining cultural recognition among tourists. Amid the souvenir stalls, I found just one item—a pin featuring a cartoonish dugong with clearly visible eyes. It was a small victory, but it left me wondering: Can cultural appreciation translate into meaningful protection? And if not, what will it take to save these gentle giants from disappearing forever?
What do you think? Is the world doing enough to protect marine species like dugongs, or are we failing them? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation going.
