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Dugong
Mermaids of Moreton Bay
Most of Moreton Bay is now designated as a Marine Park. South east Queensland is very fortunate to have a relatively large population of dugong still living in Moreton Bay.
This is the most southern population of Dugong along Australia's east coast. Dugong can live to 70 years of age, with adults growing to three metres in length and weighing up to 400 kilograms. Despite their size and weight, they are still quite graceful swimmers.
Dugong are naturally shy animals, and are usually very difficult to locate in the Bay. They feed mainly on the seagrass meadows. To cope with this diet, they have a specially adapted mouth.
The Moreton Bay population differs from others in that they are often seen in large herds. Dugong in other parts of the world tend to be solitary or in small groups.
Dugong are marine mammals, which means they bear live young. The young are suckled for up to eighteen months. These animals are very slow breeders. The females (called cows) do not produce their first young until they are nine or more years old. Then they may only breed every four years. Consequently, populations are very slow to increase.
In many parts of the world, including Australia, the Dugong populations are known to be in decline. In Australia, they are listed as an endangered species.
Dangers for the Dugong include:
- Loss of water quality through run off water, storm water, effluent discharge and industrial waste.
- Loss of seagrass beds, which are their only source of food. The major impact on seagrass beds is through declining water quality and direct disturbances such as dredging and anchorage.
- Drowning in gill nets, or through being entangled in discarded fishing equipment.
- Boat strikes have become a serious problem for many marine mammals, including the Dugong and Turtle.
What can you do to help these mermaids of our oceans survive?
- Support all programmes designed to maintain the water quality in the Bay. Start at home by making sure nothing harmful to the environment goes down your drains.
- Campaign against gill netting in Dugong areas.
- When boating, reduce speed in areas where Dugong and Turtles are known to be. Shallow areas might be a particular danger zone.
- When boating, take all rubbish home, in particular old nets and fishing line.
- Seagrass can be damaged by anchors, so try to anchor away from these areas.
- Join the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland, or another group, and add your voice to their efforts to ensure the Moreton Bay Marine Park is adequately protected.
WPSQ would like to record all known nesting sites. If seen, please complete Dugong Sighting Form.