We were fortunate to revisit the Sea Turtle Conservation Center in Rayong, where we assisted in the care of injured sea turtles recently rescued from the sea. One of the most poignant moments occurred when we encountered a sea turtle struggling to maintain balance, necessitating the application of weighted cloth by the vet to help it submerge. Sadly, this turtle is now unable to return to the ocean. We were privileged to aid the vet in treating ailing sea turtles, prepare and feed them, and clean their ponds. Additionally, we had the opportunity to observe sea turtle eggs in incubators, eagerly awaiting their hatching. Furthermore, we expanded our knowledge about seagrass and participated in planting efforts.

To recap: Sea turtles are classified as endangered species due to their declining populations. They play a crucial role in maintaining marine food chains and ecosystems, being recognized as ecological keystone species that provide habitat for other marine life, thus contributing to biodiversity. The declining sea turtle populations have far-reaching consequences for the marine environment, posing challenges for both predator and prey populations. Did you know that only about 0.1% to 0.2% of hatchlings survive to adulthood? However, when sea turtle hatchlings are subjected to nurturing care and a preparatory period lasting a minimum of 6 months, they exhibit an impressive survival rate, reaching up to 70%.

Revisiting the place fills me with praise and pride for the Queen of the Ninth Reign, who has owned Koh Man Nai, a 134-acre island, for sea turtle conservation since 1975. Situated in Rayong province, this island is overseen by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. Over the course of 48 years, this facility has nurtured tens of thousands of hatchlings, providing them with a secure haven before their release into the ocean. Witnessing the continued dedication of the staff and volunteers reaffirmed our commitment to sea turtle conservation. This experience deepened our understanding of the challenges facing sea turtles and reinforced our determination to make a meaningful impact.