The doctor noted that the dugong population around Libong Island had prospered and increased by about 50 over the last 10 years. He explained that researchers and scientists at the centre had detected 10 female dugongs with calves and this was definitive proof the species was propagating in Thai waters once again.
Dr Kittiwattanawong explained that the environmental conditions around Koh Libong were ideal for sea grass to grow in and the seabed had an estimated 10,000 acres. He said a fishing ban and the support of islanders would help preserve both the sea grass and the dugongs themselves.
Koh Libong is 15 minutes in a long-tail ferry from the Trang Province port of Hat Yao. Although not the best beach island in the locality, the opportunity of joining dugong spotting tours and unspoilt verdant landscapes attract.
Hat Yao Port is 50kms from Trang Town and its railway station. The State Railway of Thailand operates trains between Bangkok and Trang. 12GO ASIA offers the convenience of advanced online reservations for these which do away with the need of going to the rail station.
Marine experts propose fishing ban around southern Thai island
News in Asia
The director of Thailand’s Andaman Sea Marine Resources Research Centre claims banning fishing at Koh Libong will help conserve rare dugongs for posterity. Dr Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong stated that a fishing ban would ensure the sea grass dugongs fed on was not damaged.