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Lifelong Learning Foundation through its eco-resort Haadyao Nature Resort in cooperation with Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) Scotland
The Pink Dolphins of Trang: A Pilot Research Study (18th – 30th April 2010)
Extract from project brief:
‘…This expedition provides its volunteers with an exceptional opportunity to actively participate in the very first pilot study of Indopacific humpback (pink) dolphins (Sousachinensis) in Trang, southwest Thailand. The study was used to highlight the importance of the Chao Mai Marine Park for these coastally occurring delphinids, to gather baseline data on the species occurrence, its distribution, abundance, behaviour and ecology, and to raise awareness of the potential threats affecting them; considered fundamental for their future management and protection.’
‘The team was based in the tiny coastal village of Haad Yao, at the Haad Yao Nature Resort in Trang Province, on the Andaman Coast. Off the beaten track, this province of Thailand has much to offer in unspoilt natural beauty, as much of the region has been proclaimed by the government as National Parks and the growth of tourism has consequently been inhibited here to date. The Haad Yao Nature Resort is a small, family run eco resort, nestled on the edge of the Chao Mai estuary at the port of Haad Yao, and is ideally placed for access to the ocean for fieldwork. With easy admission to the marine park and its resident dugong colony, coastal dolphin populations and rare seabird habitats, this resort provides the perfect location and base for this project.’
The Pink Dolphins of Trang: A Pilot Research Study (18th – 30th April 2010)
Extract from project brief:
‘…This expedition provides its volunteers with an exceptional opportunity to actively participate in the very first pilot study of Indopacific humpback (pink) dolphins (Sousachinensis) in Trang, southwest Thailand. The study was used to highlight the importance of the Chao Mai Marine Park for these coastally occurring delphinids, to gather baseline data on the species occurrence, its distribution, abundance, behaviour and ecology, and to raise awareness of the potential threats affecting them; considered fundamental for their future management and protection.’
‘The team was based in the tiny coastal village of Haad Yao, at the Haad Yao Nature Resort in Trang Province, on the Andaman Coast. Off the beaten track, this province of Thailand has much to offer in unspoilt natural beauty, as much of the region has been proclaimed by the government as National Parks and the growth of tourism has consequently been inhibited here to date. The Haad Yao Nature Resort is a small, family run eco resort, nestled on the edge of the Chao Mai estuary at the port of Haad Yao, and is ideally placed for access to the ocean for fieldwork. With easy admission to the marine park and its resident dugong colony, coastal dolphin populations and rare seabird habitats, this resort provides the perfect location and base for this project.’
(Pix above: Dr Kevin Robinson CRRU Director and Principle Investigator & Dr Anita Siaw LLF Project Manager)