Dugongs feed on seagrass meadows. Photo: JCU TropWATER.
Traditional owners and researchers say more needs to be done to protect Sea Country in the Gulf of Carpentaria after a recent survey found substantially fewer dugongs than the last count in 2007.
An aerial survey recorded 471 dugongs in the area in 2007, while only 305 were recorded during last year’s count, according to James Cook University and Charles Darwin University.
Significantly fewer dugongs, or “sea cows”, were found on the Queensland side of the Gulf – 63 compared to 240 in 2007.
The population remained steady in Northern Territory waters, with 242 dugongs recorded in 2025 compared to 240 in 2007.
Dugongs eat seagrass and monitoring found less of the key food source throughout important habitats, including Yanyuwa Sea Country around the Sir Edward Pellew Islands, Marra Sea Country at Limmen Bight, as well as Karumba.
James Cook University TropWATER’s Dr Chris Cleguer said the surveys provided a snapshot of dugong populations 18 years apart and regular monitoring was critical.
Scientists and rangers used planes and drones to count dugongs. Photo: Daniele Cagnazzi.
“We cannot wait another 18 years for the next Gulf-wide survey,” he said.
“Just as importantly, we need to support traditional owners to lead ongoing monitoring of dugongs and Sea Country between these regional surveys.”
Yanyuwa traditional owner Shaun Evans said changes in dugong numbers and habitats were cultural and environmental concerns. He said the population could not be considered in isolation from Sea Country.
“Dugongs are really important to Yanyuwa people. They are part of our culture and our Country,” he said.
“We need the resources and authority to look after Country properly.”
Charles Darwin University senior research fellow Dr Rachel Groom said monitoring must lead to coordinated action by traditional owners, rangers, researchers and governments.
The Gulf Dugong Workshop was held at Borroloola. Photo: Daniele Cagnazzi.
“Traditional owner knowledge, ranger observations and science need to be brought together and communities need the authority, information and resources to respond when Country is changing,” she said.
The counts do not tell the whole story but suggest substantial changes in the dugong population.
Dr Groom said: “The survey is an important warning signal, but without collaborating to get the whole picture we cannot confirm why this change has occurred.”
The Gulf-wide survey on the species was funded by the Federal and Queensland governments under the National Environmental Science Program.
Dugongs, which are legally protected in all states, are “considered relatively abundant in Australian waters”, but “populations are not so secure in other parts of the world”, according to The Australian Museum.
The Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation states the distinctive marine mammal faces a range of growing pressures “from habitat loss and declining water quality to boat strikes and entanglement in fishing gear”.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has also aired “concerns about the dugong population within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area” and states research showed dugong numbers had declined south of Cooktown.
Dugong are protected animals in all states, but some traditional hunting is allowed for non-commercial purposes under the Native Title Act 1993.
