Dugong Welfare and Seagrass Habitat Loss in the Indo-Pacific

Dugongs are completely dependent on seagrass meadows for food, making seagrass loss from climate change and coastal development a direct welfare threat to this endangered marine mammal.

Key Facts

Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are the only entirely herbivorous marine mammals
They require vast areas of productive seagrass meadows meeting 40 kg of seagrass daily
Seagrass meadows are declining globally from coastal development, pollution, and cyclone damage
Dugongs have low reproductive rates with 5-7 year intervals between calves
Boat strike injuries are a common cause of death and injury in areas with motorised vessel traffic

Welfare Considerations

Dugong welfare is acutely threatened by seagrass loss, which forces individuals to travel greater distances for food or subsist on lower-quality alternative food sources. Nutritional stress during seagrass declines causes weight loss and reduced reproductive success. Boat strike injuries cause severe lacerations and internal injuries — dugongs found alive with propeller wounds face extended suffering from infection and mobility impairment. Seagrass restoration through reduced coastal pollution, sediment runoff management, and cyclone recovery support directly improves dugong nutritional welfare. Boat speed restrictions in dugong habitat reduces the most common traumatic welfare event.

What You Can Do

Support seagrass restoration and protection projects in dugong range countries
Advocate for boat speed restrictions in known dugong habitat areas
Report boat-struck or entangled dugongs to wildlife rescue authorities immediately
Engage with coastal development approval processes to require seagrass impact assessment
Donate to WWF dugong conservation and seagrass protection programmes in Australia and the Pacific