What can you do to help?
Stop excessive and illegal hunting
Many countries have laws that control the harvesting of dugong. Respect the law. In the absence of national laws, respect relevant traditional laws and use the precautionary approach.
Many countries have laws that control the harvesting of dugong. Respect the law. In the absence of national laws, respect relevant traditional laws and use the precautionary approach.
Develop appropriate legislation
Some countries may not have laws to protect dugongs and some laws may not be adequate to effectively conserve dugongs. Effective legislation is necessary.
Some countries may not have laws to protect dugongs and some laws may not be adequate to effectively conserve dugongs. Effective legislation is necessary.
Consider the impacts of coastal development on sea-grass habitats in the EIA processes
Coastal development easily impact negatively of sea-grass beds on which dugongs and other marine organisms rely for food. Environment Impact Assessment processes need to incorporate these impacts.
Coastal development easily impact negatively of sea-grass beds on which dugongs and other marine organisms rely for food. Environment Impact Assessment processes need to incorporate these impacts.
Minimize impacts from gillnets
Dugong mortality from gillnets is high. Minimize drownings by setting gillnets in areas not frequented by dugongs and never leave nets unattended to enable freeing of any caught dugong. Do not dispose old nets in the sea or on the shore.
Dugong mortality from gillnets is high. Minimize drownings by setting gillnets in areas not frequented by dugongs and never leave nets unattended to enable freeing of any caught dugong. Do not dispose old nets in the sea or on the shore.
Control boating where dugongs occur
Dugong mortality from boat strikes is increasing due to growing fishing and marine tourism activities. Slow down your boat and be on the alert for dugongs when in areas where dugongs occur.
Dugong mortality from boat strikes is increasing due to growing fishing and marine tourism activities. Slow down your boat and be on the alert for dugongs when in areas where dugongs occur.
Protect important habitats for dugongs
Seagrass beds are of vital importance to the coastal ecosystem.
Conservation work for dugongs would also benefit a host of other marine organisms that depend on seagrass for food and shelter.
Seagrass beds are of vital importance to the coastal ecosystem.
Conservation work for dugongs would also benefit a host of other marine organisms that depend on seagrass for food and shelter.
Start and support dugong conservation work
The status of dugong in most Pacific Island range states is unknown. This is due mainly to the absence of in-country dugong programmes. Priority should be given to establish dugong programmes at both community and national levels.
The status of dugong in most Pacific Island range states is unknown. This is due mainly to the absence of in-country dugong programmes. Priority should be given to establish dugong programmes at both community and national levels.
Spread the word!
Share what you know about dugong with your friends, family and communities. Learn about local conservation projects in your country and find out what you can do to help.
Share what you know about dugong with your friends, family and communities. Learn about local conservation projects in your country and find out what you can do to help.
Photo: Bruno Manash NC