Review and refinement of most appropriate coordinated & cost-effective methods and priorities for determining dugong population numbers and distribution in Queensland and the Torres Strait (A4.2)

Task leader: Professor Helene Marsh and Dr Ivan Lawler, James Cook University

Task associate: NA.

The waters of northern Australia are internationally recognised as the stronghold of the dugong (Dugong dugon), which is listed as vulnerable to extinction by the IUCN (2000). Significant populations persist in Australian waters, and dugongs are specifically cited as one of the World Heritage values of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Dedicated aerial surveys of dugong populations in eastern Australia have been commissioned by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the Queensland Environmental Protection agency and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority and carried out by James Cook University since 1984. Results of the latest aerial surveys indicate that dugongs move over greater distances and in larger numbers than previous thought. Therefore, and in the light of this new information, it is proposed that the issue of estimating dugong populations within eastern Australia be further explored at a workshop by engaging other agencies, such as Environment Australia, National Oceans Office, AFMA, QEPA, CALM and NTPWS to determine the most coordinated and cost-effective way in which to assess these populations.

The results of this workshop will also feed into a broader GBRMPA review of the Dugong Research Strategy for the GBRWHA and Hervey Bay, which is due for updating.