Whales and dolphins win protection in Thai seas crackdown
New regulation strengthens conservation laws and aligns with CITES
The Cabinet has approved the addition of three marine mammals to Thailand’s list of protected wildlife species, aiming to strengthen efforts to safeguard ocean biodiversity.
A draft ministerial regulation, endorsed on Thursday, September 4, designates humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, and Risso’s dolphins as protected animals under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act 2019. This means hunting, trading, importing, or exporting the species is prohibited without special authorisation, limited strictly to zoological purposes. Possession will also require a licence.
Pinsak Suraswadi, director-general of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), described the move as a significant milestone in Thailand’s conservation efforts.
“This decision reflects our commitment to preserving marine ecosystems and protecting species at risk from human activity.”
The animals play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance but face threats from entanglement in fishing gear, heavy marine traffic, and illegal capture for display. The regulation also brings Thailand into closer alignment with obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
To support enforcement, the DMCR, as well as the Department of National Parks and the Department of Fisheries, is piloting technologies such as acoustic deterrents, advanced fishing gear materials, and automated aerial surveillance to reduce the risk of entanglement and poaching.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recommended notifying CITES member countries of the new protection status to bolster international cooperation and curb wildlife trafficking, reported Bangkok Post.
Although not native to Thailand, all three species have been sighted in Thai waters. Humpback and Bryde’s whales have been observed since 1992, particularly in Ao Por, Phuket. Risso’s dolphins, meanwhile, have been stranded 11 times between 2003 and 2022 across provinces including Phuket, Rayong, Songkhla, and Trang.
Officials say the new listing is expected to boost marine ecosystem health, mitigate risks from trade, enhance Thailand’s reputation for conservation, and promote sustainable ecotourism.
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