5 December 2011 - In association with the 7th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium in Mombasa, Kenya, the UNEP/CMS Dugong MOU Secretariat organized a special session on progressing dugong conservation in the South West Indian Ocean sub-region, on Friday 28 October 2011. The session shared information about current dugong conservation, management and research activities, as well as about standardized dugong surveys done in the region. James Cook University presented a project on Global Dugong Genetics, supported by the Dugong MOU Secretariat, which will provide valuable information to give an estimate of the genetic diversity remaining in different parts of dugong’s range, estimates of gene flow and population size. The session also presented pilot projects that have been initiated to trial the application of a Management Tool Kit of advisory, financial incentives and conservation tools, aiming to improve dugong survivability and habitat protection. These projects are being designed to improve the economic and social wellbeing of communities by testing financial incentive tools to reduce direct dugong mortality. The special session on dugongs at WIOMSA Symposium served to strengthen networks and established new collaborations amongst different groups working on dugongs.

Read more from the WIOMSA Newsbrief