Panwa Marine Center

The Phuket Marine Biological Center on Cape Panwa is Thailand's leading marine research institution, operated under the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. Established in 1971, the center conducts research into coral reef health, sea turtle biology, dugong populations, and fishery sustainability. It runs one of the country's most active sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation programmes, caring for injured hawksbill, olive ridley, and green turtles before returning them to the sea. The center is open to the public and includes a small aquarium displaying species native to the Andaman Sea, including sharks, rays, and a variety of reef fish. An annual sea turtle release, typically in April around Thai New Year, is a popular and meaningful event. The center plays an important role in informing conservation policy for the Andaman region.