Threats to Dugong

In recent years human activities have created new causes of dugong death and degraded their life supporting habitat. Boat strikes and drowning in some types of fish netting are also taking their toll. While sanctuaries, speed limits and fishing controls are now in place, our ever growing human population will continue to threaten the survival of the Dugong and many other species. Dugong deaths in Southern Queensland waters now outnumber births, consequently natural increase can no longer maintain the natural population balance.

Loss of Seagrass Meadows

Dugong survival depends on access to healthy seagrass meadows. Clearing, agricultural practices, runoff and waste discharges - from river catchments and coastal developments - cause pollution and siltation of seagrass beds, destroying seagrass or inhibiting growth. Recent studies have shown all the sea grass meadows in Bramble Bay, located north of the mouth of Brisbane River, have been lost; this is likely due to the increased turbidity and pollution coming from Brisbane and Redcliffe.

Halophila ovalis	Halodule uninervis

Boat Strikes

Dugongs are killed and injured by boat strikes, usually due to excessive speed. They are also prevented from feeding by boat traffic.