By Peeranut P., Sanook.com
IT SEEMS nature is not just taking back cities emptied by the coronavirus pandemic with marine life too fully enjoying the sudden human withdrawal as shown by a school of Irrawaddy dolphins spotted happily swimming near Koh Chang island, off eastern Trat province’s coast, Sanook.com reported today (27.4.2020).
The fourth Marine National Park Operation Centre in Trat said in its Facebook post dated April 24 that after the pandemic broke out the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation ordered closure of tourism nationwide.
Officials from this centre had sailed out during April 17-24 to evaluate the status of dugongs and other rare marine animals around Mu Ko Chang National Park by observing all that they could see as they passed by and flying drones to go further out.
Found during this survey were 10 Irrawady dolphins, called “alms-bowl dolphin” in Thai because of the shape of the heads, frolicking near Koh Krabung to the east of Koh Chang with this being a good indicator of the sea’s fertility.
Seeing these dolphins lifts spirits and builds understanding and awareness of the importance of ocean conservation. Their sighting is also good news for Thailand’s ecosystem as it is considered an important sign of revival.
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The pod of dolphins enjoying themselves and the officials who sighted them. Photos: Sanook.com
