BlueQuest holds Phuket training on rescuing stranded rare marine animals

BlueQuest, OZO Phuket and Amari Phuket held a practical workshop in Phuket on providing initial assistance to stranded rare marine animals and reporting incidents through the BlueQuest app.

The training took place at OZO Phuket on 25 September 2026, bringing together representatives from government agencies, conservation groups, local communities, volunteers and businesses.

Knowledge and coordination support came from Thailand’s 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. Participants also included representatives from the Siritharn Rare Marine Animal Rescue Centre in Phuket, Thai Whale, Sirinat National Park, Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park in Phang Nga, Ao Tang Khen community and local conservation networks.

The workshop covered the status and identification of rare marine species, threats, volunteer-based care and rehabilitation, basic rescue principles, assessment of stranded animals, carcass management and data collection. Participants practised responding to simulated incidents, including assessing conditions, planning assistance, using locally available equipment and sending coordinates, photographs and other key information to specialist teams.

The BlueQuest app was demonstrated as a reporting channel. Users can select an incident type, submit a GPS location, attach photographs and provide details such as the place, time and nature of the incident. The organisers said complete information could help relevant agencies assess situations and plan responses more quickly.

BlueQuest founder Claire, a 17-year-old Thai, said the app was intended to connect people, information and relevant agencies, rather than serve only as a channel for reporting environmental problems. She said the platform also provides alerts about natural hazards, emergencies and other events that could affect travel and tourism.

The Phuket workshop was BlueQuest’s first activity combining use of the app with local training and practical exercises, Claire said. The organisation plans to extend similar activities to other coastal and marine tourism areas, including Krabi, Koh Samui and Pattaya.