Review of SEASTAR2000: Sea turtles, Mekong giant catfish, dugongs

Abstract

We are performing the Southeast Asia sea turtle associative research (SEASTAR2000), the Mekong giant catfish tracking project (MCTP) and the dugong biological survey (DBS) as one of the 21st Century Center of Excellence Programs, 2002-2007. All the species of the projects are heavily endangered and need a sufficient degree of protection. Whilst very little is known of the species the need to implement conservation is a pressing problem in Thailand and neighbouring ASEAN countries. The conservation policy sometimes poses troubles because the area to be protected is also a fishing ground where the local people live. We must appreciate the need for coexistence between the endangered species and the local people based on our scientific knowledge.