Dugongs show signs of recovery in Hervey Bay, Australia
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Researchers at James Cook University (JCU) in Australia observed a growing dugong population in Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Strait after major floods damaged seagrass habitats in 2022.
The JCU team, working with TropWATER, conducted aerial surveys in 2024 to assess the vulnerable species’ recovery. Their report indicated positive population growth and a wider distribution of dugongs, coinciding with the regrowth of seagrass in key areas.
The researchers counted 109 dugongs in 2024, a slight increase from the 103 counted in 2022. Dugongs shifted their distribution, moving south from the central part of Hervey Bay towards the Great Sandy Strait as seagrass recovered in those areas. JCU consulted with the Butchulla people, the traditional owners of the land, who emphasized the connection between protecting seagrass and safeguarding dugongs, known as yuangan in the Butchulla language. However, scientists expressed concern over the low number of calves observed.
Only three calves were counted in 2024, down from nine in 2022. While researchers believe a time lag exists before dugongs fully recover and reproduce, they plan to monitor the impact of nutritional stress on their reproductive rates. JCU intends to seek funding for another aerial survey in 2027, and hopes to collaborate with local organizations to monitor dugong populations more frequently.
