BlueQuest and Phuket hotels train network to respond to rare marine animal strandings
A Phuket workshop brought together authorities, hotels, communities and conservation groups to practise responding to stranded marine animals and using the BlueQuest app to report incidents.
BlueQuest, OZO Phuket and Amari Phuket have joined government agencies, local communities and conservation groups in Phuket to improve responses to rare marine animals stranded on the coast.
A workshop on 25 September 2026 at OZO Phuket covered species identification, threats to marine animals, initial assessments, basic assistance, carcass management, data collection and coordination with responsible agencies.
Participants included representatives from the Sirithorn Rare Marine Animal Rescue Centre in Phuket, Thai Whale, Sirinat National Park, Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park in Phang Nga, the Ao Tang Khen community, volunteers and local conservation networks. The event received technical and coordination support from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, the Upper Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre, and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
The training included simulated incidents in which participants assessed conditions, planned assistance, selected locally available equipment and sent location data, photographs and other details to specialists. The exercises were designed to help relevant teams assess situations and plan an appropriate response.
BlueQuest also demonstrated its application as a reporting and information-sharing tool. Users can select an incident type, provide a GPS location, attach photographs and enter details before submitting a report to the system for review and referral to relevant agencies.
BlueQuest's 17-year-old Thai founder said the platform was intended to connect people, information and responsible agencies, rather than function only as an environmental reporting channel. User-submitted location data, photographs and incident details can help agencies assess situations and respond, the founder said.
The Phuket workshop is the first location where BlueQuest has combined use of its application with local training and practical exercises, according to the organisation. It said it plans to expand the model to other coastal and marine tourism destinations, including Krabi, Koh Samui and Pattaya.
The application also accepts reports relating to natural hazards, emergencies and incidents that may affect travel and tourism. It is available through the App Store and Google Play Store.
