Source: HINDU

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

Dugongs (Dugong dugon) often referred to as sea cows are the only extant herbivorous marine mammals found in Indian waters.

With dwindling populations and degraded habitats especially seagrass meadows the conservation of dugongs is not just a matter of protecting a species but a critical issue of safeguarding India’s coastal biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Ecological Significance of Dugongs

Dugongs feed on seagrass promoting seagrass health and regrowth by trimming the grass and preventing overgrowth. 

Healthy seagrass beds maintained by dugong grazing shelter a variety of marine life including fish, crustaceans and turtles. 

Seagrass ecosystems sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide contributing to climate change mitigation. 

Distribution in India

Threats to Dugongs in India

Habitat Degradation

Rapid loss of seagrass meadows due to:

Coastal development (ports, tourism)

Pollution (agricultural runoff, sewage)

Dredging and land reclamation 

Fishing Practices

Use of gillnets and trawl nets leads to frequent accidental entanglement and mortality.

Mechanized fishing disturbs shallow habitats where dugongs reside. 

Climate Change

Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification impact seagrass growth and reproduction.

Increased frequency of cyclones damages shallow coastal ecosystems.

Pollution

Heavy metal and chemical accumulation e.g., mercury, organochlorines in dugong tissues. 

Illegal Hunting and Poaching

Despite Schedule I protection under Indian Wildlife Protection Act, poaching continues in remote regions. 

Slow Reproduction

Long gestation (13–15 months), low reproductive rate (1 calf every 3–5 years) and delayed sexual maturity (9–10 years) make population recovery slow.

Conservation Measures and Legal Framework

Existing Measures

Schedule I Species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

IUCN Status: Vulnerable globally; Regionally Endangered in India

CMS MoU: India signed the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) and its Dugong MoU 

Initiatives

Dugong Conservation Reserve (2022):

Located in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu

448.3 sq. km with 122.5 sq. km intact seagrass beds 

OMCAR Foundation & Wildlife Institute of India:

Conduct long-term monitoring and community awareness programs 

Way Forward

Seagrass Habitat Restoration

Rigorous mapping and monitoring of existing seagrass meadows

Ban harmful activities (bottom trawling, sand mining) in sensitive zones

Community-led stewardship programs involving local fishers 

Sustainable Fisheries Management

Prohibit gillnets and bottom trawling in dugong habitats

Promote traditional, non-destructive fishing methods

Offer alternative livelihoods like eco-tourism to reduce fishing pressure 

Awareness and Community Participation

Training coastal villagers to report dugong sightings and strandings

Launch school and community outreach programs on dugong ecology 

Research and Monitoring

Support long-term population and genetic studies

Integrate citizen science and traditional knowledge

Use tagging and drone surveillance to map critical habitats 

Policy Integration and Financial Support

Incorporate dugong conservation in coastal zone management plans

Establish Marine Protected Areas with legal backing

Leverage CSR funds and international climate/environment funds 

Read About

Dugongs 

Sources:

HINDU