Tarutao National Park expedited rescue efforts for a rare stranded sea turtle, releasing it back to nature, while also finding a hawksbill turtle dead in a fishing net, highlighting the hazards posed by marine debris and discarded nets in the sea.
On 22 Aug 2026, the Facebook page ofthe Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservationposted about a rescue operation for rare and endangered marine animals at Ao Pan Temalaga, Tarutao Island, where two marine turtles were found: a green sea turtle still alive after stranding, which was rescued and released back to the sea, and a hawksbill turtle found dead due to entanglement in fishing nets.
The report stated that the incident occurred at 1:00 p.m. on 21 Aug 2026, when officials were conducting routine patrols at Ao Pan Temalaga. They discovered a green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) measuring 60 cm wide and 120 cm long stranded on the beach. Initial checks found it alive and in good condition, so staff safely pushed it back into the sea.
At the same time, they found a hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) measuring 35 cm wide and 60 cm long, deceased due to entanglement in fishing or agricultural net debris. Officials documented the case and proceeded to bury the carcass in accordance with Department of National Parks regulations.
Surachai Thatet, head of Tarutao National Park, stated, “The Ao Pan Temalaga area and surroundings serve as vital habitats and feeding grounds for rare marine animals. Finding both turtle species on the same day reflects ecosystem health but also signals the threat posed by marine debris and discarded fishing gear, which directly impacts protected marine wildlife.”
Green and hawksbill turtles are protected wildlife under the 2019 Wildlife Protection Act and are classified as endangered. Marine debris and discarded fishing gear are significant factors contributing to the decline of sea turtle populations.
Tarutao National Park has increased coastal patrols and is coordinating with community networks and local fishing boats to campaign for proper collection of fishing gear debris and reduction of marine trash. The public and tourists who see rare marine animals stranded, injured, or dead are urged to notify park officials or call the Department of National Parks' 24-hour hotline at 1362.
Information from the Facebook page ofthe Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation