Unit 3 Dugong

 

The Dugong is part of the Mammalia class. They are considered "Sea Cows". They are described to have fluked tails which means there are two lobes split. They are distinguishable from manatees due to their large snout and protruding upper lip. Dugong's are born cream colored but turn a darkish grey as they age with an average lifespan of 70 years growing up to 8ft-10ft in length. Sea Cows are in the vulnerable group. There is no accurate estimation of population, however, it is known to be decreasing.

Dugong's live mostly in the Marine Neritic Zone but can also coast into the Marine Intertidal Zone which are about 60 degrees fahrenheit . Sea Cows reside in seagrass beds. They migrate between Moreton Bay & Hervey Bay which are located in the southeast part of Queensland.

As Dugong's live in and near seagrass they feed on the seagrass. This creates the coastal water meadows. This disrupts plants leaving a feeding trail. When meadows are created it help protect and prevent shoreline erosion. Without dugong's, it would directly impact the shorelines. Fishing, pollution and climate changes are the more serious threats to the well-being of dugongs. The coastal waters are in danger from pollution because of industrialization. This in turn destroys their habitat and food source. The decline in dugongs should be seen as a problem because they are natures way of creating meadows. Decreasing meadows would cause coastal erosion, ocean acidification (pH reduction), and decline in commercial fish and shellfish. This would be a hit to the economy and ecosystem of marine life. There have been attempts to reduce the anthropogenic damage. While there are legislators in place to legally protect dugongs they haven't been proved to help. Rapid assessments were used through giving surveys, taking interviews, habitat mapping, and more. During these interviews there were 80, 74 were of communities and locals directly involved. Habitat mapping was used through aerial photography and satellite imagery. There were tracking and monitoring seagrass and its well-being. To detect seagrass, they also used thematic mapper. One of the major ways to help the livelihood of dugongs is by being mindful of water pollution and garbage disposal. It often ends up in the water which directly affects dugongs and marine life. Another way to passively support these conservation efforts is by donating to local reserves dedicated to improving shorelines and wildlife. A third option to helping could be volunteering. There is always a need for more hands and minds to create a cleaner earth and environment. A fourth option could be spreading awareness through media, convention meetings, or any other way that could spread the word. A final and non-exhaustive way of helping these marine mammals could be sending messages to local leaders and suggesting stronger enforcement for crimes against the legislations put in place that would help.