Conservation of Dugong
According to scientists and ecologists, the dugongs may be an extinct
species within the next 25 years if they are not protected and preserved
in advance. These creatures are protected under the Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Act where it was registered as an aquatic
and wandering species.
The dugongs are mainly slaughtered for their fat and meat and are sold
at high price in the world market. Due to their bulky appearance, there
are fewer predators who could really threaten them except the whales,
the sharks and the crocodiles. Although they are still available in and
around 37 countries but the threat still stands as they are already
extinct in few countries like Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka
and Hong Kong.
The threats
The Dugong are species under intense focus on the various ranges of
human threats across the globe, which includes interlock and gill nets,
loss of important habitation of the sea grass vegetation and crashing
with the boats leading to fatal consequences.
The food resource for the dugong is threatened owing to eutrophication
caused by the manufacturing overspill and agricultural wastes.
In the year 2003, it was discovered by the Australian government that
the marine garbage is one of the prime factors of threat listed under
the EPBC Act. There was a global awareness catered by the UNEP (United
Nations Environment Program) to spread the trouble among the Dugong
species. With the growing establishment of human residences around the
coasts, sea traffic and increase in the level of pollution is ruining
the natural habitation of dugongs.
Later in 2007, it was planned by the United States and the Japanese
government to build a modern military foundation and airbase near Henoko
on the coral reef. This decision offended the Okinawans and they raised
their voice against this development process so that the environment of
the dugong who resides around does not get affected. Even the Greenpeace
joined hands with the Okinawans to strengthen the voice and stop the
expansion of the development program.
According to a report of an author, the population of the dugong is
about to diminish and even can go extinct in the areas of Northern
Australia, the Arabian Gulf, East Africa, Japan and the Red sea. The
situation is quite critical in these places if something is not done
quickly enough, the ultimate tragedy may befall.
Steps taken
When the WWF initiated a research on the dugong and its habitat, they
came across few amazing and interesting facts related to this species
and they decided to preserve the creature with the aid of the Club
Paradise and Pawikan Conservation Project.
The intension of this project is to find out the sea grass distribution
in Busuanga area and locate the feeding area of the dugongs.
Differentiate among the sea grass habitation, type and atmosphere they
grow in. People were educated on the needs and ways of conservation of
this species by showings videos, slide shows and educational campaigns.
In order to lessen the influence of marine rubbish on the aquatic
creatures including dugong, a hazard Abatement Plan has been introduced
so as to build on the outstanding activities which are expected to
reduce the growing impact.
It has been suggested to the Japanese authorities by the UNEP to
introduce a shelter for the dugong in their own habitat that may show
some developments in their population.
The government of Japan has approved a hefty amount of 150 million yen
to conserve and protect the dugong from getting extinct.
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