Dugong Welfare and Seagrass Ecosystem Health

Dugongs are the only strictly herbivorous marine mammals, depending entirely on seagrass for food and facing threats from habitat degradation, boat strikes, and net entanglement across their Indo-Pacific range.

Key Facts

Dugongs are found across the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to Vanuatu in shallow seagrass beds
The global dugong population is estimated at 100,000 but is declining across most of its range
They consume up to 40 kg of seagrass daily and leave distinctive feeding trails in seagrass beds
Boat strike injury and death is a significant source of mortality in heavily trafficked coastal areas
Dugongs are listed as vulnerable globally with populations in Australia being the most robust
Net entanglement in shark nets and gill nets causes drowning deaths in many coastal areas

Welfare Considerations

Dugong welfare is inextricably linked to seagrass ecosystem health. Dugongs experiencing food stress from seagrass loss exhibit reduced body condition, lower reproductive rates, and increased vulnerability to other threats. Cyclones, which are intensifying with climate change, cause acute seagrass loss events that can leave dugongs in large areas without adequate food for months. Net entanglement causes drowning — a prolonged and distressing death. Shark net programmes, intended to protect swimmers, kill dugongs as bycatch. Transitioning from nets to alternative shark mitigation measures like drumlines or exclusion nets reduces dugong bycatch mortality substantially.

What You Can Do

Support transition from shark nets to non-lethal shark mitigation in dugong habitat
Advocate for seagrass restoration and water quality improvements in dugong coastal habitat
Donate to Great Barrier Reef Foundation and dugong conservation programmes
Observe speed limits in shallow coastal areas with dugong populations
Raise awareness about dugong dependence on seagrass and the cascading effects of seagrass loss