AI image of dugongs with legs wins prize, prompting criticism

The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources in Thailand held an artificial intelligence (AI) art competition to mark National Dugong Conservation Day on August 17 each year and raise awareness about environmental conservation. Entrants were asked to create artwork depicting dugongs based on the theme of protecting their habitat.

The winning image, named "Under the Azure Light," depicted unrealistic features of dugongs and their surroundings. The image showed dugongs with hind limbs, which they do not possess, and seagrass with broad, round leaves on upright stems, unlike the seagrass found in Thai waters. This led to criticism from Thai netizens, who pointed out the misleading nature of the image.

The department aimed to highlight the importance of environmental conservation and the existence of dugongs in Thailand, particularly in the Trang province, where their population has been declining due to starvation caused by disappearing seagrass. Despite the criticism, the department has not yet responded to the concerns.