The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has ordered an urgent inspection after a vast number of “pink sea cucumbers” were found washed ashore by waves at Suan Son Beach in Mueang Rayong district, Rayong province.
A stretch of beach several hundred metres long appeared reddish-pink, attracting attention and causing alarm among tourists and residents.
Suchart Chomklin, Natural Resources and Environment Minister, said he had instructed the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources to urgently verify the facts and assess possible impacts from the incident and closely monitor the situation.
Authorities inspecting Suan Son Beach identified the marine animals washed ashore in large numbers as pink warty sea cucumbers (Cercodemas anceps).
The species is an invertebrate that lives on the seabed.
It has a soft, cylindrical body resembling a cucumber or sausage, skin covered with small bumps or spines, and colour ranging from bright pink to reddish-orange.
When large numbers are washed ashore at the same time, the shoreline appears clearly reddish-pink.
Marine resources experts explained that sea cucumbers play an important role in the marine ecosystem because they break down the remains of organisms and other organic matter that accumulates on sandy seabeds.
This helps circulate nutrients and maintain the quality of the underwater ecosystem, earning them the description “housekeepers of the sea”.
According to a preliminary assessment, recent storms and rough seas are believed to have driven large numbers of sea cucumbers from the seabed onto the coast. Authorities described the incident as a rare natural phenomenon for the area.
“The situation is currently being monitored and assessed continuously,” an official said.
“So far, no information has been found indicating abnormal pollution or other factors affecting the marine ecosystem.”
However, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources asked tourists and the public to avoid direct contact with sea cucumbers. Most sea cucumbers are harmless, but some can release defensive substances when disturbed that may irritate sensitive skin or trigger allergies. — The Nation/ANN
