Warming waters in Thailand wreaks havoc on marine life
The warming waters of the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea are negatively affecting marine life, leaving dugongs desperate for food, according to Thai scientists.
Bangkok (VNA) - The warming waters of the Gulf of Thailand and theAndaman Sea are negatively affecting marine life, leaving dugongs desperate forfood, according to Thai scientists.
Described as “steamed” grass, thedisappearance of seagrass which serves as the primary diet of these gentlemammals, is pushing them out of their natural habitats.
According to Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat,vice dean of the Faculty of Fisheries at Thailand’s Kasetsart University, therise in sea temperatures is causing a catastrophic decline in seagrasspopulation.
A recent study by marine experts revealsthat areas like the Andaman Sea, particularly off Trang, Krabi, and parts ofSatun, are witnessing an alarming reduction in seagrass due to global warming.
Even regions like Phang Nga and Tratprovinces are not spared from this crisis, though some areas in the Gulf, fromPrachuap Khiri Khan to Pattani, still hold healthy seagrass beds.
Dr Thon explained that as sea temperaturessoar, the phenomenon of steamed grass – previously unseen in Thailand – occurs,leading to dire consequences for dugongs. These marine mammals are nowscattering in search of new feeding grounds abundant with seagrass, such asthose around Phuket./.
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Illustrative image (Photo: Thai PBS World) 
