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- Numbers of the manatee-like marine mammals called dugongs are steadily dropping in Australian waters around the Great Barrier Reef, per a new report based on 2022 aerial surveys. Among the animals’ biggest threats are gillnet fishing and habitat loss—which climate change and pollution have exacerbated.
Since Dugong populations increase slowly, at greatest by 5% annually, their population is vulnerable. Changes in water quality and coastal development can lead to habitat degradation, ruining vital seabeds. Fishing practices, such as commercial netting, can also lead to accidental drownings.
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Sep 29, 2023 · Numbers of the manatee-like marine mammals called dugongs are steadily dropping in Australian waters around the Great Barrier Reef, per a new report based on 2022 aerial surveys. Among the...
- Margaret Osborne
Sep 27, 2023 · Dugong numbers are falling in coastal areas along the Great Barrier Reef and researchers warn floods and fishing pose an ongoing threat to the species. Key points: The east coast dugong population has been in decline since 2005.
Jun 14, 2024 · A new report from James Cook University (JCU) TropWATER reveals a long-term decline in dugong populations along the Great Barrier Reef, spanning from Mission Beach to Bundaberg, and Hervey Bay in the Great Sandy Strait.
Sep 27, 2023 · A long-running program that monitors dugong numbers off Queensland has identified a clear, long-term decline over about half of the Great Barrier Reef. James Cook University researchers have carried out aerial surveys for the vulnerable species about every five years since the 1980s.
Sep 28, 2023 · Lead dugong researcher, JCU TropWATER's Dr. Chris Cleguer said the report shows a clear declining trend since 2005, with an estimated annual population decline of 2.3% from Mission Beach to...
People also ask
Does the Great Barrier Reef have a dugong problem?
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The Great Barrier Reef supports one of the largest remaining populations of dugongs in the world, which is one of the reasons the Reef was granted World Heritage status. We're tracking and monitoring this marine mammal, including its distribution and abundance on the Reef, using aircraft and drone surveys.
