Trang Sea Thrives: Survey Finds 104 Rare Marine Animals Including Mother-Child Pairs of Dolphins and Dugongs

The Trang Sea is lively as officials from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources found 104 rare marine animals of three species in good overall health. Among them were six mother-calf pairs of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins and three mother-calf pairs of dugongs, reflecting the richness of the coastal ecosystem and seagrass beds.

On 13 Nov 2026, the Facebook pageof the Department of Marine and Coastal Resourcesposted that officials from the Lower Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center conducted a field survey to assess the status and health of rare and endangered marine animals around Libong Island, Samran Beach, Tase Bay, Sukon Island, Laoliang Island, Petra Island, and nearby archipelagos in Trang Province, covering a survey area of 729 square kilometers.

This mission used marine survey technology with the Line Transect method combined with unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to improve monitoring efficiency and assess the status of marine animals in the area.

The preliminary survey found 104 rare marine animals of three species, including

• 56 Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins scattered around Libong Island, Sukon Island, the Trang River mouth, and Laoliang Island, including six mother-calf pairs.
• 28 dugongs were found exclusively at Chuyo Cape, including three mother-calf pairs.
• 20 green turtles were found in two areas: 10 at Pak Khlong Wa–Chang Bridge and 10 at Chuyo Cape.

Overall, the marine animals were in good health. Observations of behavior and remote health assessments showed dolphins and dugongs exhibiting natural behaviors such as swimming, feeding, maternal care, and courtship. Dolphins were also seen breaching the water. No injuries or signs of entanglement in fishing gear or marine debris were detected.

Additionally, the presence of mother-calf pairs of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins and dugongs is important data indicating successful reproduction. Officials will use the photographs for Photo-ID to study population numbers and monitor long-term changes in these marine animals.

A healthy sea is not just a beautiful sea but a safe home for all life. The discovery of rare marine animals and mother-calf pairs underscores the importance of preserving coastal ecosystems and seagrass beds, which provide food and habitat for marine life. Everyone can contribute by reducing plastic waste, not littering the sea, using resources responsibly, and protecting marine habitats.

Every life in the sea matters. Let us work together to keep Thailand's seas a safe home for rare marine animals and preserve their abundance for future generations.

Thanks to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources' Facebook page for the information and photos.