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From classroom to coastline: We are supporting Thailand’s dugong researchers to build the skills and tools needed to monitor one of its most iconic marine mammals.

In May 2026, WISDAM training was delivered to staff, students and invited guests from the Dugong and Seagrass Research Station at Prince of Songkla University (PSU), combining intensive classroom-based learning with hands-on field application in one of Thailand’s most important dugong habitats.

The 5-day workshop focused on strengthening local capacity for long-term dugong monitoring. PSU researchers are actively seeking funding to research and monitor dugongs within Thailand and build on their extensively seagrass research.

Participants received 2.5 days of classroom-based comprehensive training across the full WISDAM workflow, including aerial survey theory and detection probability, drone survey design, field protocols, data management, image review, species identification, environmental scoring, metadata management, exports, and techniques for assessing detection probability. The workshop also introduced deployment of the MAD AI model for automated dugong detection, alongside analysis of real survey datasets, troubleshooting exercises and exploration of advanced workflows.

Training then moved to Koh Libong, Trang Province, for two days of field-based surveys in operational conditions. Working in one of Thailand’s most significant dugong habitats, participants successfully conducted drone surveys on both days and processed imagery using the MAD AI model to detect dugongs. The field component enabled attendees to test alternative survey designs, independently complete image-processing workflows and gain practical experience while receiving technical support in real-time.

By combining survey design, AI-assisted detection and data analysis within a single training program, the workshop has strengthened local expertise and increased the capacity of PSU researchers to deliver robust dugong research and monitoring.