Thai Marine Welfare Rising: From Irrawaddy Dolphins to Global Conservation Diplomacy

by Tim Garbutt

Thailand’s turquoise waters and coral reefs have long been a magnet for tourists, but beneath the surface lies a complex story of marine exploitation, reform, and emerging leadership beyond The Beach. 

From shark fin exports to dolphin captivity, the kingdom has faced scrutiny. Yet recent shifts suggest Thailand may be poised to redefine its role—from regional exploiter to global steward.

Irrawaddy Dolphins: A Conservation Bright Spot

In the brackish waters of Songkhla Lake and the Mekong River, the Irrawaddy dolphin—once teetering on the brink—has become a symbol of hope. Thanks to community-led patrols, fishing gear reforms, and government-backed habitat protections, sightings have increased. 

The Thai Department of Marine and Coastal Resources now estimates over 150 individuals, a modest but meaningful recovery.

This success isn’t just ecological—it’s political. Thailand’s dolphin diplomacy across the Mekong, including regional cooperation with Cambodia and Laos, positions it as a marine conservation leader within ASEAN. The Irrawaddy’s revival could be a blueprint for broader reforms along with Thai Navy turtle protection.

Shark Fin Trade: A Troubled Legacy

Thailand’s shark trade tells a more troubling tale. Between 2012 and 2016, Thailand was the world’s top exporter of shark-derived products, shipping over 22,000 metric tonnes. A 2023 DNA study revealed that 62% of fins sold in Thai markets came from threatened species(!), including critically endangered hammerheads.

While shark finning isn’t explicitly banned, Thailand is drafting a National Plan of Action for Sharks (NPOA-Sharks). The challenge? Enforcement. Fins from juvenile sharks and non-native species flood markets, often disguised as generic “dried seafood.” 

Without robust traceability, conservation remains aspirational - but a shark fin ban is a solid start.

Dolphin Captivity: The Taiji Connection

Thailand’s dolphinariums—like Safari World and Pattaya Dolphinarium—have imported 89 bottlenose dolphins from Taiji, Japan since 2010. These dolphins, captured in controversial drive hunts, are trained and displayed for tourists. Despite growing public opposition and international pressure, Thailand’s Wild Animal Conservation Act (2019) does not ban such imports.

The Cove and Global Outrage

The 2009 Oscar-winning documentary The Cove, directed by Louie Psihoyos, exposed the brutal reality of Taiji’s dolphin hunts. Ric O’Barry, former trainer of Flipper, leads the charge against captivity. 

The film revealed how dolphins are herded into a hidden cove, where the “attractive” ones are sold to aquariums and the rest slaughtered for meat—often as dog food and containing toxic mercury levels. The film won an Academy Award and galvanised global activism.

Thai Facilities with Taiji Dolphins

• Safari World Dolphinarium – Bangkok

• Pattaya Dolphinarium – Pattaya

• Oasis Sea World – Chanthaburi

• Nemo Dolphins Bay – Phuket

Activists like Ric O’Barry and the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand continue to push for reform. A ban on wild-caught dolphin imports, and the above 4 aquariums ending use of Taiji dolphins, would align Thailand with ethical tourism trends and bolster its conservation credentials.

Oxford’s Lion: A Trophy Hunting Tragedy

Back in the UK, a lion monitored by Oxford University’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) was this week shot dead by trophy hunters, reigniting debate over the ethics and legality of trophy imports and the real value of wildlife. The lion, part of a long-term study, was killed in a hunting zone bordering a protected area.

This tragedy underscores the urgency of the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill, which aims to ban the import of trophies from endangered species (c.159 trophies per year). While the bill has faced delays, public support remains strong. The lion’s death could be the tipping point for legislative action similar to Taji and The Cove.

Shark Fins Act 2023: UK’s Bold Move

The UK took decisive action with the Shark Fins Act 2023, banning the import and export of detached shark fins and fin-containing products. This aligns the UK with global conservation standards and simplifies enforcement. Though the UK’s trade volume was modest, the symbolic impact is significant.

The ban targets species like the shortfin mako and blue shark, which are under severe threat. It also positions the UK as a leader in marine ethics, potentially influencing EU and Commonwealth partners.

China moved to end shark fin soup at official banquets yet no ban as yet. And Hong Kong makes up 56% shark fin imports with the rest from Commw/ASEAN Malaysia and SG.

And Japan restarting whaling, with some South Korea support, is limited to its EEZ and only ~200 whales per year as demand for food falls and the fish repurposed for dog food.

Toward a Marine Conservation Alliance?

Thailand and the UK—two nations with vastly different marine ecosystems—are converging on a shared path: ethical reform and biodiversity leadership. Thailand’s Irrawaddy dolphin success and growing scrutiny of shark and dolphin trade mirror the UK’s legislative push against trophy hunting and shark fin imports.

Could this be the foundation for a transnational marine conservation alliance? Imagine a coalition spanning ASEAN and the Commonwealth, united by shared standards, enforcement protocols, and ecotourism incentives. 

Such an alliance on dolphins, sharks, whales and trophy hunting could reshape animal welfare and green tourism global norms and offer a counterweight to exploitative practices in regions like East Asia and Latin America.

Final Thought

Thailand’s marine story is still unfolding. But if it can pivot from trade hub to conservation champion—while the UK shores up its ethical laws—their combined influence could ripple far beyond their shores. From Irrawaddy dolphins to Oxford’s trophy lions, the stakes are high. But so is the potential for a new era of marine diplomacy.