No evidence of harm from fishing gear detected on juvenile female found in Satun
PUBLISHED : 28 Jan 2026 at 17:14
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Conservation officials and local residents examine the carcass of a juvenile female Omura’s whale found at Khlong Puyu in Muang district of Satun province. (Photo: Department of Marine and Coastal Resources)
A juvenile female Omura’s whale found stranded in Satun province likely became ill and separated from its mother before drowning, with no evidence of harm from fishing gear detected, conservation officials said on Wednesday.
The carcass was discovered at Khlong Puyu in Muang district of the southern province on Tuesday, said Pinsak Suraswadi, director-general of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.
Officials from the Lower Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre, the Satun Marine Conservation Centre, the local fisheries office, mangrove conservation unit and local residents gathered at the scene to examine the animal.
It measured 5 metres, was not fully mature, and its condition was rated normal. External abrasions were found across the body, consistent with stranding, but no signs of entanglement or injury from fishing equipment were observed, said Mr Pinsak.
An internal examination revealed minor cardiac congestion and oedema, as well as fluid and air bubbles in the trachea and lungs, indicating pulmonary oedema. Dark patches measuring 1-2 centimetres were noted on the outer lung tissue. The digestive tract contained no food or foreign objects.
Officials concluded the whale died from drowning, with illness and separation from its mother contributing factors.
Samples of tissue, jawbone, pectoral fins and pelvic bones were collected for laboratory analysis. The carcass was buried on-site with assistance from the Puyu tambon office, which provided excavation equipment.
The Marine Department said the findings would contribute to research and conservation efforts for Omura’s whales in Thai waters.