Giant 4.3-metre Chao Phraya giant devil ray found dead in Chonburi

On 5 November, the Forest and Marine Resources Protection Hotline, number 1362, received a report of a dead Chao Phraya giant devil ray near the Tha Ruea Phli fishing market in Chonburi, Thailand. The public reported the sighting, prompting Chonburi Fisheries Chief Nattaphong Wannaphat and officials from the local fisheries office and Marine and Coastal Resources Office 2 to investigate the incident.

Upon arriving at the scene in Makham Yong subdistrict of Muang district, the officials confirmed that the deceased animal was indeed a female Chao Phraya giant devil ray. Measuring approximately 230 centimetres across and 430 centimetres from its snout to the tip of its tail, the ray was found in relatively fresh condition. However, the cause of its death had not been determined at the time of the report.

After completing their inspection, the officials worked with Chonburi City Municipality and Samet Subdistrict Municipality to relocate the massive carcass to the Marine and Coastal Resources Office 2. There, it would be properly buried in accordance with the Department of Fisheries' 2023 regulations for disposing of aquatic wildlife carcasses and related products.

The Chonburi Fisheries Office emphasized the importance of adhering to these disposal guidelines in their statement. They also expressed gratitude to the local municipalities for their assistance in the removal and burial process. The office urged members of the public to report any sightings of rare marine animals, injured or distressed, by contacting the Forest and Marine Resources Protection Hotline at 1362 to ensure a prompt response from authorities.