Introduction to Moreton Bay Community Dugong Watch

The Dugong is listed as Vulnerable under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act, this and the ongoing unsustainable losses being incurred by this species spurred the Wildlife Preservation Society of Qld, Bayside Branch into action. Familiar with Moreton Bay, a key habitat for Dugongs, the group found that very little was generally known about Dugongs on Australia's east coast. Although a number of new research projects have begun, these are expensive and hence limited. It became apparent a more cost effective method of collecting data was required. One way to collect data is to harness the knowledge and observations of people who work and recreate in the Dugong's habitat. So during Seaweek 1998, (March 27th), Moreton Bay Community Dugong Watch (MBCDW) was conceived.

There is great potential for community programs to contribute to knowledge and changes in current practices that will reduce threats to dugong populations.

The aim of MBCDW is to help with the protection of all Dugong populations and prevent the extinction of the Dugong in Southern Waters of Queensland - by gaining knowledge and understanding of Dugong, their habitat, behaviour and role in the ecosystem, and by sharing that knowledge, create an increased general awareness of Dugongs and the threats to their survival.

The project will pursue the aim through the following actions:

• Encourage a web of Community Dugong Watch Groups covering all areas of Australian and South Pacific Dugong habitat.

• Be an exercise in community participation and involvement, bringing together diverse groups and members with a common interest.

• Conduct research and gain local knowledge and historical facts, which can complement current scientific research.

• Initiate the production, distribution and collection of Dugong sighting forms, and create a database.

• Assist and facilitate information exchange and communication (networking) between coastal communities, ocean users, interest groups, student and researchers, education institutions and relevant government departments and agencies.

• Stimulate educational and creative opportunities in the general community that raise the level of dugong awareness generally - its lifestyle, habitat, distribution, endangered status and threats.

• Promote dugong awareness with the production of educational and 'extension' material such as observation and identification manuals, and have information available of research and management plans, issues, actions, and threats, relating to dugong, an 'endangered species'.