Irrawaddy dolphins gracefully swim in the waters off the coast of Trat, capturing the hearts of everyone who has the chance to witness their presence. As their natural habitat faces increasing threats, researchers are proposing a novel approach to conserving these beautiful creatures and their environment. Through the certification of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Trat, Trang, and Pattani provinces, it is hoped that not only will marine life be protected, but that a profitable return can be achieved to help fund further environmental initiatives.
Wiparat Dee-ong, the NRCT director, believes that by gathering empirical evidence of the benefits of MPAs, they will be able to secure funding for environmental protection and management policies, reaping the rewards in the long run. Independent researcher Orapan Srisaowalak further explains that the primary goal of this research is to discern whether environmentally friendly policies that restrict commercial activities can eventually lead to financial gains and to public benefit, all while providing an extra layer of protection for vulnerable ocean habitats.
In addition to being home to the rare Irrawaddy dolphin, the region is also a haven for many endangered marine animals such as Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Indo-Pacific finless porpoises, and dugongs. Trat’s gulf, in particular, is well known as the natural habitat for these charismatic creatures. Furthermore, Koh Losin in Pattani is renowned as an offshore MPA where numerous coral reefs remain intact, providing a crucial food source for rare fish such as whale sharks, guitarfish, and manta rays. Unfortunately, this area is also susceptible to damage from human activities such as fishing and tourism.
Orapan reveals that the budget to manage the MPAs in Trat, Trang, and Pattani is estimated to be 671 million baht, a cost which does not include compensation for fishermen if restrictions on fishing areas are implemented. Additional funding will need to be allocated for the planting of seagrass and mangroves and for the protection of sea mammals. However, the potential benefits of endorsing MPA policies and management are numerous, ranging from increased revenue from coastal fisheries to higher carbon credit values from seagrasses and mangroves, as well as the inherent value of conserving rare marine species found within the MPAs.
While previous research has suggested that the cost of marine animal protection may outweigh the societal benefits, Orapan argues that these studies were based on non-use value, which may not accurately reflect the true worth of the lost wildlife and the potential for long-term economic growth in the future. As a result, the implementation of MPAs and their positive impact on marine life and the surrounding communities could provide an innovative method for balancing conservation and profit in these pristine natural habitats.
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