Officials from the Upper Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center were notified of the dead marine mammal by volunteers on Koh Yao Noi yesterday (Apr 9).
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) staff, accompanied by citizen scientist Theerasak Saksritavee, inspected the site and found a male dugong measuring about 2.2 metres in length, excluding the head, and weighing about 120kg.
The carcass was covered with barnacles and had a cut wound on the right side of its chest consistent with a sharp object. Investigators also found a twisted rope tied to an underwater rock, with the animal’s tail bound to its body. The rope was collected as evidence.
With assistance from Paradise Koh Yao Resort, the carcass was transported to Ao Por Pier in Phuket before being handed over to DMCR officials for a full autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Officials from the Marine and Coastal Resources Office Region 6 have filed a report with Koh Yao Police Station under Phang Nga Provincial Police Region 8 to launch an investigation and gather evidence aimed at identifying and prosecuting those responsible.
Following the discovery, the DMCR issued a public notice urging people to raise awareness about so-called “dugong tusks”, warning that false beliefs ‒ including their use as love potions ‒ are driving the killing of the protected species.
The DMCR stressed that dugongs are protected under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act, B.E. 2562 (2019), and are strictly off-limits for hunting, trade or possession.
Under the law, those caught trading protected wildlife products face penalties of three to 15 years in prison and fines ranging from B300,000 to B1.5 million, or both. Possession without permission carries penalties of up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to B500,000.