The CMS Dugong MoU Secretariat is excited to announce the launch of a new call for concept notes until 17th May 2021 to support community-led activities that address key threats to dugongs and seagrass. 

A set of guidelines for interacting with dugongs was launched last week by the Vanuatu Environmental Science Society (VESS) and is now available online. The guidelines are intended to facilitate a friendly environment to interact with dugongs for anyone in and around dugong habitats. The launch event was attended by the Vanuatu Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Director of Tourism along with diving and tour operators, hoteliers, sporting groups, NGO and other members of the public.

Good news for dugongs in the Solomon Islands, it is now against the law to fish, retain, be in possession of, buy, sell or export dugongs in the Solomon Islands. Any violation of this law is punishable by four months in prison and/or SI$40,000 fine (USD 5,000).