th Lady of e Sea DUGONGS RESPECT AND PROTECT

Dugong profile for range states in the Pacific Islands

Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme SRMP EP embers Dugong Range States

Dugong Range States in the Pacific

SPREP Library/IRC Cataloguing-in-Publication Data CONTENTS Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) Dugongs - respect and protect : dugong profile for range states in the Pacific Islands. – Apia, Samoa : SPREP, 2011. Introduction Davd i Sheppard, Director, SPREP 3 24 p. : col. ill. ; 29 cm. ISBN: 978-982-04-0435-9 (print) Pacific Year of the Dugong: Respect and Protect 4 978-982-04-0436-6 (online) 1. Marine mammals – Oceania. 2. Marine resource conservation – Oceania. 3. Dugongs – Protection – Oceania. I. Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) II. Title. Pacific Islanders Celebrate PYOD 5 599.55 Cover photograph: Mother dugong with calf © Colin Riddell SPREP Celebrates Regional Launch 6 Original dugong drawings, pp 4, 7, 10: from an art contest organized by the Environment Initiation Centre and the Southern Province,New Caledonia, 2010 Design: Joanne Aitken, The Little Design Company Palau Unveils Lady of the Sea Carving 9 Compiled by: Clive Hawigen With assistance from SPREP team: Lui Bell, Marine Species Officer; Nanette Woonton, Media and Public Relations Officer Australia DUGONG profile 10 Contributors: Dugong range states in the Pacific © SPREP 2011 New Caledonia DUGONG profile 12 The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme authorizes the reproduction of this material, whole or in part, provided appropriate acknowledgment is given. Palau DUGONG profile 14 This publication is also available electronically from SPREP’s web site: www.sprep.org SPREP T: +685 21 929 PO BOX 240 F: +685 20 231 Papua New Guinea DUGONG profile 16 Apia E: [email protected] Samoa W: www.sprep.org Bionesian Blog: http//bionesian.blogspot.com/ Solomon Islands DUGONG profile 18 The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programe (SPREP) is the intergovern- mental ageny charged with the protection and sustainable management of the Pacific is- land region’s environment. SPREP’s vision is for a Pacific Environment, sustaining our liveli- Vanuatu DUGONG profile 20 hoods and natural heritage in harmony with our cultures. SPREP works at the forefront of regional efforts to address environmental concerns by providing national-level technical advice programme support, human and institutional capacity building and coordinated Pacific Dugong fatsetc he 22 regional responses to global issues and international agreements. The SPREP membership comprises 21 Pacific island countries and territories and Australia, New Zealand, France and United States of America. The work of SPREP is guided by a 5-year strategic Plan (2011- Pacific Seagrasses fatsetc he 24 2015) which was formally adopted at the 21st SPREP Meeting in Papua New Guinea in Sep- tember 2010. For more information regarding SPREP and SREP’s contributions to conser- vation, resource management and sustainable development, please visit: www.sprep.org. Working together to save Dugong fatsetc he 6 2

2 Itductionn ro P acific Year of the Dugong

David Sheppard, Director, SPREP

2011 was declared the Pacific Year of the Dugong (PYOD). With a regional theme “Respect and Protect,” this campaign aimed at increasing protection of dugongs and their habitats by raising awareness, improving knowledge and fostering partnerships for conservation of dugongs and their habitats.

Dugongs have high cultural value and are a valued • The dugong population in Palau is considered source of food, medicine and artifacts and thus are to be the most isolated in the world, and in an important species for coastal people. Dugongs addition to threats facing this population, it can also play a significant ecological role in maintaining be classified as “critically endangered”. coastal habitats. They feed in shallow waters often • Dugongs are also of high cultural value in many within areas that fall under traditional ownership or parts of their range, a valued source of food, community fishing grounds. medicine and artifacts and a flagship species for Even though dugongs occur in the waters of only coastal peoples. 6 of the SPREP members (Australia, New Caledo- • There is not much information available on dugong nia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and populations in the SPREP region and much work Vanuatu), the proposal to declare 2011 as the Pacif- is needed to improve information, awareness and ic Year of the Dugong received strong support and ultimately their management and protection. was endorsed by SPREP members at the 21st SPREP annual meeting held in Papua New Guinea in Sep- There were four main objectives to the PYOD tember 2010. Dugongs are one of the three groups campaign. These were to promote awareness and of marine animals of conservation concern that the conservation of dugongs at site level targeting key SPREP marine species programme focus on. The oth- stewards and the fishing industry; reduce dugong ers are marine turtles and cetacean (whales and dol- mortality from human activities; improve status phins) and each has a 5-year regional action plan. information and promote sustainable management of dugong populations and protection of their The campaign was considered necessary due to habitats at the national level through effective several factors, for example: practical national legislation; and policies and • Dugongs are considered vulnerable to extinction advance partnerships and to secure resources for on the global scale. long term support for dugong conservation in the region. • Dugong is the only surviving member of the family Dugongidae, with its closest relative, Stellar’s sea- This publication will give an overview of the six cow, hunted to extinction within 27 years of its dugong range states in the Pacific region and discovery in the eighteenth century. the measures they have in place to conserve and protect these pristine “ladies of the sea.” It will also • They have disappeared from several areas highlight some of the events that have taken place including waters off Mauritius, Taiwan, western Sri since the Pacific Year of the Dugong was launched. Lanka and the Maldives. This can be a reality in our region as well.

David Sheppard, Director, SPREP

3 P acific Year of the Dugong: Respect and Protect

Photos © Colin Riddell he campaign to progress the protection of the dugong, led by the Secretariat of Pacific T Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and its partner the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (UNEP/CMS), targeted local coastal and fishing communities and water craft users in the Pacific region.

Awareness and outreach activities highlighting coastal and islands waters from East Africa to the need for protection of dugongs in the Pacific Vanuatu in the Pacific. Islands region were the focus of the campaign Specific to the Pacific Islands region, SPREP has a re- which was initiated through national launches gional Dugong Action Plan 2008–2012. The plan fo- and country activites in New Caledonia, Palau, cuses on nine key areas: education and aware- Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and ness, habitat protection, management, Vanuatu. traditional knowledge and resource A number of initiatives to management, capacity building, build local capacity to de- threat reduction, research and liver positive conservation monitoring, collaboration and outcomes for dugongs in the human and financial resourc- Pacific Islands region were es. Also the conservation also promoted throughout and plan developed under the Pacific Year of the Dugong. the United Nations Environ- ment Programme/CMS Mem- A new pilot project by CMS orandum of Understanding on using financial incentives to the Conservation and Manage- address direct hunting and the ment of Dugongs and their Habitats incidental capture of dugongs by throughout their Range (Dugong MoU) changing people’s practices and improving provides the framework for the cooperation for the livelihoods of local communities in Daru Papua the long-term protection of dugongs in their range. New Guinea was among the initiatives promoted All range states in the Pacific Islands region under the Pacific Year of the Dugong 2011. (Australia, Papua New Guinea, Palau, France (New Dugongs, which play a significant ecological role Caledonia), Solomon Islands and Vanuatu) have in the functioning of coastal habitats, live in warm committed to the Dugong CMS MoU as signatories.

4

Photo © Simon Allen P acific Islanders Celebrate 2011R YEA OF DUGONG

Photo © GBRMPA

ugong protection in the Pacific Islands region was highlighted in 2011 as part of the D Pacific Year of the Dugong. It proved to be a boost to the conservation of the species and its seagrass habitats.

The regional campaign was launched in Korror, would be an effective deterrent within the general Palau in March 2011 by President Johnson Toribiong community. and Minister of Natural Resources, Environment & Raising the awareness on the status of dugongs Tourism, Hon. Harry Fritz. and related aspects including existing legislation Palau hosts the smallest, most remote and critically was also raised as an important area for immediate endangered dugong population in the region. attention. In launching the regional campaign Palau also Hon. Victor Yano, Minister of State, closed the commenced their national campaign with the launch by confirming Palau’s Government full reminder by President Toribiong that we are commitment to support the Pacific Year of stewards of the environment and have a moral the Dugong campaign and shared a personal obligation to protect dugongs in the spirit of “I’ll experience when a local woman released a dugong save you so some day you’ll save me”. that was tied up signifying that a single act can make an important change. He requested support from other nations to join Palau to preserve, protect and cherish this important, unique dugong population. Minister Fritz urged Palauans to take the task of education to protect, respect and love dugongs and their habitats. It was also acknowledged at the launch of the Pacific Year of the Dugong 2011 that there is a need to address poaching which is the biggest threat to the fragile population in Palau. Authorities were urged to work together to enforce legislation to prevent this and it was highlighted that publicising arrests and convictions for poaching of dugongs His Excellency President Johnson Toribiong launching the PYOD in Palau. 5 SPREP celebrates the regional launch of the Pacific Year of the Dugong

PREP operates a regional marine species programme which focuses on three groups of S marine species of conservation concern: dugongs, marine turtles and cetaceans. SPREP has a 5-year regional action plan for each of these groups.

SPREP’s work for the conservation and management of are considered, under CMS, to have an unfavourable marine mammals in the Pacific Islands region can be conservation status and require international dated back to the mid 1980s when UNEP’s Regional Seas agreements for their conservation and management. Programme supported dugong conservation projects in • Dugong is the only surviving member of the family Palau and Vanuatu. Dugongidae, with its closest relative, Stellar’s sea-cow, In 1991 SPREP and UNEP facilitated a regional hunted to extinction within 27 years of its discovery in biodiversity conservation workshop in Vanuatu. One of the eighteenth century. the outcomes of this meeting was work towards a draft • They have disappeared from several areas including Marine Mammal Conservation Programme. waters off Mauritius, Taiwan, western Sri Lanka and The Regional Marine Mammal Conservation pro- the Maldives. This can be a reality in our region as well. gramme’s first meeting was in 1993 where the focus was • The dugong population in Palau is considered to be on briefing members on the significance of and threats the most isolated in the world, and in addition to to marine mammals in the region. Most of the work threats facing this population, it can be classified as of the Regional Marine Mammals Conservation Pro- “critically endangered”. gramme during 1993–2003, was focused on whales and • Dugongs are also of high cultural value in many parts dolphins. of their range, a valued source of food, medicine and However, in 2002, it was decided to give more recognition artefacts and a flagship species for coastal peoples. to dugongs, and as a result the SPREP regional marine • There is not much information available on dugong mammal programme was split with dugongs and populations in the SPREP region and much work cetaceans having separate regional action plans. Thus, is needed to improve information, awareness and starting from 2003, separate 5-year regional dugong ultimately their management and protection. and cetacean action plans were in place. The Pacific Year of the Dugong Campaign has four key The current SPREP regional Dugong Action Plan 2008- objectives: 2012 centers on nine key areas or themes: (i) Education • Promote awareness and conservation of dugongs and Awareness, (ii) Habitat Protection, (iii) Management, at site-level targeting key stewards and the fishing (iv) Traditional Knowledge, Customary Marine Tenure industry; and Traditional Resource Management, (v) Capacity • Reduce dugong mortality as a result of human Building, (vi) Threats, (vii) Research and Monitoring, (viii) activities; National, Regional, and International Collaboration, and • Improve status information and promote (ix) Human and Financial Resources. sustainable management of dugong Even though dugongs occur in the waters of only 6 of populations and protection of their habitats the SPREP members, the proposal to declare 2011 as at the national level through effective and the Pacific Year of the Dugong received strong support practical national legislation and policies; and was endorsed by SPREP members at the 21st SPREP • Advance partnerships and secure resources annual meeting, Papua New Guinea, September 2010. for long-term support for dugong The campaign has been considered necessary due to conservation in the region several factors, for example: Dugongs face a host of threats to their • Dugongs are considered vulnerable to extinction on survival. They are an easy target and are the global scale. All dugong populations are listed on highly susceptible to coastal hunters. Appendix 1 of Convention on International Trade in Subsistence hunting of dugongs may have Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). been sustainable in the past. However Dugongs are additionally listed on Appendix II of the combination of increasing human the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory populations in the Pacific and the introduction Species of Wild Animals (CMS), which means they of new harvesting technologies such as

6 outboard motors and gill nets has severely impacted However, there have been the species. The fact that dugongs have a long life over-arching problems and chal- span but are slow breeders makes them susceptible to lenges surrounding conservation efforts in the Pacific Is- population decline. It has been estimated that a dugong lands region. These include: population of only 100 animals would not sustain any • Lack of data and information resulting from the ab- human-caused mortality. sence or lack of ongoing and long-term research and Dugongs also face many other threats including monitoring programmes; incidental by-catch in fishing gear, vessel strikes and • Limited public awareness and education programmes; destructive fishing practises. The incidental drowning • Limited in-country skills / capacity to provide leader- of dugongs caught in fishing gear, such as gill-nets, has ship in marine species conservation management; contributed to the major decline of dugongs in much of • Limited national management mechanisms to protect its range. The increase in vessel traffic also increases the marine animals and their habitats; likelihood of dugongs being killed by vessel strikes. • Limited information exchange, linkages and collabo- Then there are the threats to the food sources ration. of dugongs, seagrasses. Coastal development To address these challenges, SPREP calls on Governments increases sedimentation and turbidity which and partners, communities, fishermen, marine tour not only smother seagrass but also reduce the operators and developers, to all work together: amount of light reaching them, resulting in the • To establish long-term dugong research and degradation of seagrasses and a reduction in monitoring programmes at both community and their density and productivity. national levels to improve knowledge of the status of SPREP’s work is guided by its mandate, dugongs for informed decisions on management. which is “to promote cooperation in the • To develop or review exisiting legislation to adequately Pacific islands region and to provide and effectively protect dugongs. A vital component of assistance in order to protect and improve this is the ability for effective enforcement. the environment and to ensure sustainable • To protect sea-grass habitats which are vital to development for present and future dugongs as well as a host of other marine species and generations”. consider the impacts of coastal development on sea- This theme of cooperation and providing grass habitats in Environmental Impact Assessment assistance is, first of all, reflected in processes. SPREP’s commitment to maintain, facilitate • To cease the excessive and illegal hunting of dugongs and provide support and assistance to and the use of destructive fishing methods. implement the regional marine species • To minimize impacts from gillnets and boat strikes by programme, including the regional dugong following simple guidelines. action plan. The continuing health of dugong populations is Secondly, SPREP has sought cooperation essential to maintaining a healthy Pacific Ocean. Join of partners and collaborators to implement us as a Pacific family in making sure we play our part to the action plans, sometimes by entering into Respect and Protect dugongs and their habitats. Memorandum of Understandings. In 2007 the SPREP Meeting endorsed the Secretariat’s SPREP’s collaboration with the Convention on proposal to also include sharks in its regional marine Migratory Species (CMS) under a Memorandum species programme. In November 2009, the regional of Cooperation signed in 2005 which has Plan of Action for Sharks was launched jointly by SPC, since resulted in closer working relationship FFA and SPREP. between SPREP and CMS on marine species work that includes dugongs. It is also worth This statement was read on behalf of the Secretariat of the acknowledging the assistance from UNEP/ Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) by the CSM for dugong work in the Pacific Marine Species Officer, Mr. Lui Bell, at the launch of the Pacific Islands region. Year of the Dugong in Palau.

Dugong Carving in the Palau Ministry of State Building

7 8 P alau Unveils Lady of the Sea

tribute to the Year of the Dugong was unveiled by the Vice President of Palau Hon. A Kerai Mariur in Samoa on the 19th of July as their contribution to the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) for their work on the conservation of dugongs in the Pacific, including the 2011 Pacific Year of the Dugong Campaign.

The stunning carving of a dugong (also known enduring efforts of SPREP to continue to lend its as the ‘lady of the sea’) was gifted to SPREP from assistance toward the protection and preservation the Government of Palau who are environmental of the ecological and rich marine ecosystems that leaders in the effort to protect marine species. sustain the balance of nature that our Pacific Island Palau declared a shark sanctuary in its EEZ in 2009. Countries continue to be dependent on.” This was further strengthened in 2010 A certificate of Environmental Leadership was through extending the protection to presented to Palau by SPREP. The Pacific nation encompass all marine mammals was host of the regional launch of the Pacific including dugongs. Year of the Dugong and has since prepared During a special unveiling ceremony many different resources to help conserve at the SPREP headquarters in Apia on this species which is vulnerable to the 19th of July, the Vice President of exctinction. Palau expressed their appreciation to “There is a saying, ‘actions speak louder SPREP for their generous assistance than words’, and we must congratulate to Palau and the Pacific region. The and commemorate Palau because they presentation of a special letter from are taking positive actions and we are the President of Palau to SPREP, the encouraged by these important efforts,” gifting of the carving and a copy of the said Kosi Latu, the Acting Director of “Mesekiu” booklet was made. SPREP. “This is symbolic of our national com- To learn more about the Dugong and mitment toward conservation efforts,” hear the Dugong Song produced by said Vice President Mariur. Palau please visit the Pacific Year of “The designation of the ‘Pacific Year the Dugong website: www.sprep. of the Dugong’ is indicative of the org/Biodiversity/PYoD/index.asp

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PACIFIC OCEAN Equator Equator PAPUA NEW GUINEA NAURU Bismarck KIRIBATI INDONESIA Sea Solomon SOLOMON ISLANDStrast TUVALUwith the fluctuations described above) between Arafura Sea TOKELAU Sea Port Moresby Honiara 10°S 10°S the 1960sWALLIS and early 1980s (Marsh 2000). The nature AND FUTUNA SAMOA Apia Pago Pago Coral of the extensiveAMERICAN flooding in Queensland (late Decem- DugongsSAMOA COOK in the Pacific Region FIJI VANUATU ISLANDS Papeete Sea Port Vila Suva FRENCH NEW ber 2010/earlyTONGA NIUE January 2011) and cyclone Yasi (Feb- 20°S CALEDONIA 20°S Nuku’alofa Noumea POLYNESIA Tropic of Capricorn ruary 2011) has had a significant impactTropic of Capricornon seagrass distribution andSouth abundance Pacific Ocean in the region and as a 30°S result, there has been a substantial increase30°S in dug-

Tasman NORTH Sea ong and green turtle strandings along the Queens- 0 500 1000 km 40°S 40°S 130°E 140°E 150°E 160°E land170°E east180° coast.170°W As at160°W 4 October150°W 140°W 2011,130°W 163 dugongs have been found stranded or dead in Queensland in Traditional value of dugong to local population 2011. This is the highest recorded number of strand- ings since data collection began in 1996. “Dugongs are an essential element of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s living maritime The total population estimate of dugongs living in culture along the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Australian waters from the >120,000 km of coast- Area. The use of marine food resources such as the line surveyed since 2005 (aerial surveys) is approxi- dugong greatly strengthens Aboriginal and Torres mately 57,000 dugongs (Hodgson 2007, Marsh et al. Strait Islander culture and demonstrates connection 2007, Marsh and Lawler 2006, Hodgson 2007, Saal- with traditional sea country. The activities associated feld 2000, Prince et al. 2001). However, the popula- with the hunting of dugong and preparing and tion estimates are almost certainly under-estimates. sharing the meat have great significance and are There are large areas of northern Australia, particu- an expression of the continuance of long cultural larly in the west, for which there are no data. This is traditions. In remote coastal areas, dugongs have the total of all the most recent regional estimates. a high social and economic value because they This represents an aggregated estimate of all the re- provide subsistence food to communities where a gions that have been surveyed. However, there is no nourishing diet is essential but often expensive to definitive figure because significant areas of coast- attain” (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority). line have never been surveyed, while others have not been surveyed for up to a decade or more. Status of the local dugong population Known / presumed distribution of dugongs A more than 20-year time series of aerial surveys suggests that dugong populations are large and se- The distribution of the dugong in Australia is from cure (but they may fluctuate or move in response to Moreton Bay in the state of Queensland, across the large scale changes in seagrass distribution) in Shark northern Australian marine environment to Shark Bay and the Exmouth/Ningaloo Reef region of West- Bay in the state of Western Australia. ern Australia, the Gulf of Carpentaria, the North- Major threats and relative impacts ern Great Barrier Reef, and the Southern Great Bar- rier Reef regions of Queensland; and fluctuating in The major threats to dugongs in Australia include: Torres Strait, Hervey Bay and Moreton Bay in Queens- loss of seagrass habitat, vessel activity and boat land (Dobbs et al. 2008, Hodgson 2007, Marsh and strike, accidental entrapment in fishing nets, marine Lawler 2006, Marsh et al. 2007). Dugong distribution debris, poaching and illegal harvest and illegal sale may also change independent of seagrass changes, of meat, unsustainable indigenous harvest, habitat at the moment the causes of this are unknown. How- loss and degradation (coastal development), poor ever, the power of the aerial surveys to detect pop- water quality and environmental contaminants ulation declines is weak unless declines are extreme (Haynes et al. 1999, 2000, 2005, Marsh et al. 1996, (Taylor et al. 2007). The time series of catch per unit 1997, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007). However, the effort data from the Queensland Shark Control Pro- impacts of these threats, either individually or in gram indicates that the dugong population on the combination, are largely unquantified and their urban coast of Queensland declined steeply (in con- relative importance varies regionally. 10 Photo © Bruno Manach/DENV

Dugongs in the PacificExisting legislation which protects R dugongsegion and other management arrangement Jrisdictionu Listing Legislation Commonwealth Migratory Species Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Listed Marine Species Commonwealth Protected Species Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 Queensland Vulnerable Nature Conservation Act 1992 Northern Territory Protected Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2000 Western Australia Specially Protected Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 New South Wales Protected National Parks and Wildlife Act: Amendment (Marine Mammals) Regulation 2006 Australia signed the CMS Dugong MoU on 31 October 2007 in Abu Dhabi.

Recent/current and planned national conservation dugong work

Current and planned dugong work includes: tion in Australia, including traditional owner and • Development of community-based management stakeholder engagement in conservation efforts, plans to manage the take of turtles and dugongs compliance and enforcement of protection meas- for Torres Strait Island communities, led by the ures, and research and monitoring. A key project Torres Strait Regional Authority. that has come from this work includes Govern- • Development of Traditional Use of Marine mental funding to support leadership and capac- Resource Agreements between the Great Barrier ity building projects in sea country management, Reef Marine Park Authority and Traditional as well as increased participation by traditional Owners, supported by the Reef Rescue Land and owners in monitoring dugong and turtle popula- Sea Country Indigenous Partnership Program. tions and collecting species data to help with lo- • Implementation of the Saltwater People Network cal management planning. project, incorporating marine turtle and dugong • Support for the 2011 Pacific Year of the Dugong. management across northern Australia, admin- In 2011, the department contributed $20,000 to istered by the North Australian Indigenous Land support the Pacific Year of the Dugong, an initi- and Sea Management Alliance. ative under the Secretariat of the Pacific Region- • A dugong Task Force was created by the Austral- al Environment Program (SPREP) Regional Marine ian Government in late 2010. The primary role of Species Program 2008–2012 that aims to support the Task Force was to examine dugong conserva- dugong conservation in the Pacific.

Dugong captured for satellite tracking in Shoalwater Bay in 2008. © Ivan Lawler

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Solomon SOLOMON ISLANDS TUVALU Arafura NEWSea CALEDONIA TOKELAU Sea Port Moresby Honiara 10°S 10°S WALLIS AND FUTUNA SAMOA Apia Pago Pago AMERICAN Coral Known / presumed distribution of dugongs COOK FIJI SAMOA VANUADugongsTU inISLANDS the PacificPapeete Region Sea Port Vila The 2003Suva and 2008 aerial surveys indicated that dugongs are mainly distributed along the western FRENCH NEW TONGA NIUE 20°S CALEDONIA coast and the north east coast of the main island 20°S Nuku’alofa during both seasons. Historical hunting permits Noumea POLYNESIA Tropic of Capricorn for customary feasts in operation since 1962 also Tropic of Capricorn suggested the past presence of dugongs in the southern part of the east coast, while no dugong was observed in this area. South Pacific Ocean Traditional value of dugong to local population Current distribution highlights three dugong hot 30°S spots located in the south-west, central-west and 30°S Dugongs hold an important place in Kanak culture. north-west of New Caledonia. From the 2003 aerial Dugongs can still be hunted under special permits survey, it was estimated that 84% of the dugong for customary purposes in the Northern province population was located on the west coast and and Province des îles (mainlyTasman weddings, funerals and 16% on the northeast coast. An important dugong NORTH traditional yam feasts), even if this is uncommon. population inhabits the Noumea coastal area, the The meat and the blubber areSea cooked as a special busiest zone of New Caledonia with high boat traffic 0 500 1000 km dish, and the teeth are kept as a trophy. and human activities. 40°S 40°S 130°E 140°E 150°E 160°E 170°E 180° 170°W 160°W 150°W 140°W 130°W Status of the local dugong population Major threats and relative impacts

New Caledonia and Vanuatu are situated at the Even though no specific studies have been eastern limits of the dugong range in the southwest conducted on threats to dugongs in New Pacific and the New Caledonian dugong stock Caledonia, the following could be identified as represents one of the largest populations worldwide, major anthropogenic threats: and the largest of Melanesia. • Fishing and poaching Two aerial surveys conducted in 2003 (during cold • Boat collision season) and 2008 (during warm season) enabled • Pollution (organic, mineral and acoustic) estimation of minimal abundance of dugongs. The • Degradation and loss of habitats. estimations were 1814 dugongs (SD= 332) in 2003 The two most important threats are likely to be and 964 dugongs (SD= 241) in 2008. Juveniles poaching and boat collision. Half of the stranding were estimated to be 7.2% of the total estimated reported between 2004 and 2008 occurred in population in 2003, and 14.3% in 2008. Noumea, the busiest boat traffic area of the territory. It has not been possible to use the results of the While a third of the strandings could be positively aerial surveys to estimate dugong population trend identified as due to boat collision, it is estimated that for the last few years. It is however presumed that it was the case for most of them. the dugong population in New Caledonia could be A dugong consumption study conducted in the North decreasing. A recent genetic study has shown that Province in 2005 estimated that 38% of the household the New Caledonian stock is genetically different had already consumed dugong in this province, and from the large Australian populations, indicating that 8% of the household was hunting dugong. A very low level of reproductive exchange (if any) similar study conducted in 2006 in the Southern between the two areas. Province showed that 20% of the population had already consumed dugong in this Province, mostly during family dinners and customary feasts. 12 Photo © Bruno Manach/DENV

Dugongs in the PacificExisting legislation which protects R dugongsegion and other management arrangement Resolution 68 dated 25th June 1962 prohibits fishing of dugong all over the Southern Province fishing dugong over all Caledonian territories, where special permits can be no longer granted. except for Melanesian customary feasts through • Province Iles Loyauté: no deliberation or environ- special permits. mental code declared yet and it still operates un- In 1989, New Caledonia was divided into 3 provinces, der the resolution 68. However no important dug- each one becoming independent regarding ong population has been identified in this area. environmental codes. Provincial deliberations on The awareness of dugong protection in New- dugongs: Caledonia has increased over the past few years. As • Northern Province: 2001 (deliberation 23-2001/ an example, it is now completely forbidden to hunt APN and 85-2001/BPN) and 2006 (deliberation dugongs in the Marine Protected Area of Hyabé-Lé 243-2006/APN). Special Permits for customary Jao (Pweevo, North province), even for customary feasts allowed. However, the number of special events. The request came from the MPA local permits granted has remained low (15 between mangagement committee which wanted to protect 1995 and 2004, 0 since 2004). dugongs inhabiting this area. • Southern Province: 2004 (deliberation 03-2004/ France signed the CMS Dugong MoU on 31 October APS). Deliberation 03-2004/APS fully prohibits 2007 in Abu Dhabi.

Recent/current and planned territorial conservation dugong work

Scientific, awareness and communication work • Knowledge: This component has aimed to regarding dugong protection had already been address the limited knowledge regarding initiated in New Caledonia. dugong biology and ecology through the A national dugong action plan 2010–2012 has conduct of scientific works in order to increase been in place involving various partners including the understanding of the dugong population. the North Province, the South Province, the Iles This has included more aerial surveys, genetics, Loyauté Province, the New Caledonia Government, sea grass mapping, habitat use and movement of the French Government, the Marine Protected dugong, studies on threats and socio-economic Area Agency and two NGOs, WWF and Operation aspects including the importance of dugongs to Cétacés. The project has been coordinated by the Caledonian culture. Marine Protected Areas Agency of New Caledonia • Education and awareness: Work already initiated with four major components: in this area has been supported and expanded. • Governance of the national action plan: This Target audiences have included schools, sea plan has been managed by all the partners professionals, public at large and lagoon and lagoon users. All users were informed and users. Awareness resources include: TV spots, have contributed to the process of improving educational booklets, posters, calendar and knowledge regarding dugongs. The aim of the competition is schools. governance was also to build shared knowledge • Conservation plan 2014–2020: Actions undertak- of conservation challenges and to follow the en and results obtained within the framework of SPREP regional dugong action plan and UNEP/ the national action plan will be particularly use- CMS Dugong MoU recommendations, thus ful in the formulation of the structure of a dugong inscribing the national action plan on a regional conservation plan for 2014 and beyond. and international level.

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GUAM North Pacific Ocean Palau’s dugong population is considered to be 10°N MARSHALL ISLANDS 10°N the most isolated in the world and unlikely to be FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA supplemented by recruitment from any other area PALAU and is likely to be facing extinction. Analyzing by region using IUCN parameters, Marsh (2010) estimated that the dugong population in Palau can be classified as critically endangered. PACIFIC OCEAN Equator Equator Traditional value of dugong to local populationPAPUA NEWKnown GUINEA / presumed distributionNAURU of dugongs BismarckDugongs and calves are sighted around Malakal,KIRIBATI Dugongs used to haveINDONESIA cultural value in Palau, and, Sea traditionally, was the only meat available to Palauans Koror almost daily, and sometimes gather in large groups for feeding, scattering a few hours later. and was highly valued. The vertebrae were used as Solomon SOLOMON ISLANDS TUVALU bracelets by traditional chiefs.Arafura Some jewelry is still They movedSea away from the Koror area for several TOKELAU Sea Port Moresby Honiara made using dugong bones (e.g. the atlas vertebrae months in 2010, and not enough is known about 10°S their movements to and around the northern states 10°S and ribs) and illegal hunting for the meat for special WALLIS occasions still takes place. Dugong meat is mainly of Babeldaob Island to make accurate population AND FUTUNA SAMOA estimates. Apia reserved for home consumption, particularly for Pago Pago festive occasions, but is also sold. AMERICAN Coral COOK Major threats and relative impacts FIJI SAMOA VANUATU ISLANDS Papeete Sea Port Vila Suva Status of the local dugong population Major issues on dugong population in Palau include: FRENCH NEW TONGA NIUE 20°S • Illegal poaching activity,CALEDONIA and 20°S Infrequent aerial surveys using Cesna planes Nuku’alofa • Increasing development andNoumea destruction of POLYNESIA were not very effectiveTropic for of Capricorn dugong surveying in Tropic of Capricorn Palau in the past. The start of a daily helicopter dugong habitat. tour operation on Palau in recent years has Other possible impacts include: greatly improved Palau’s ability to survey dugong South Pacific Ocean movements, especially around Koror, Airai and the • The continuing growth of the tourism industry on Rock Islands. The helicopter30°S pilot has daily sightings the islands; 30°S of dugong families and mother-calf pairs, and the • Sediment draining to the ocean; largest herd recorded of over 40 animals was seen • Oil spills from growing fishing industry; feeding around Ngederrak reef in October, 2010. Tasman In 2010, 11 dugongs were recorded killed, most It is also known that dugong hunters in Palau seem NORTH to prefer the meat of female and juvenile dugongs by illegal poaching. Local fishermen estimate 5-15 Sea dugongs are still killed 0each year.500 1000 km to that of adult males. If this preference is reflected in the catch, it will put added pressure on the stock. 40°S 40°S 130°E 140°E 150°E 160°E 170°E 180° 170°W 160°W 150°W 140°W 130°W

14 Phot o © Br uno Manach/DENV

Existing legislation which protects dugongs and other management arrangement

Palau has a dugong protection law in place that has been prosecuted to the full extent of this law makes hunting for dugongs illegal. The Protected so far, and illegal poaching continues. This law is Sea Life, subchapter iv is on dugongs. Subsection currently under review by the Palau congress to (a) of this law states that ‘No person shall kill, trap, increase the penalties. capture, wound, possess, transport, restrain or Palau signed the CMS Dugong MoU on 4 October otherwise have under his control any dugong or 2010 at the First Official Signatory State Meeting any part or product’. Violation of this law includes of the CMS Dugong MoU, Abu Dhabi, 4-6 October, imprisonment for a period of 3–12 months and/ 2010. or a fine of ‘not more than’ US$5,000 for the first offence. For every offense thereafter, the convicted In October 2010, the Presidential Declaration No. 10- person could be imprisoned for 6-36 months and/ 14 established Palau’s Exclusive Economic Zone as a or fined up to US$10,000. However, no poacher marine mammal sanctuary, which includes dugongs.

Recent/current and planned national conservation dugong work

Following the last dugong campaign done by Continuing efforts in dugong conservation work in the Palau Conservation Society in 1996-1997, Palau have been identified as needing to focus on and following the 2010 Biodiversity theme, local the following areas: NGO’s on Palau started a Palau Dugong Awareness • Establishment of an on-going regular dugong campaign in 2010, aimed at educating local monitoring and survey program and database; children about the rarely seen dugong with printed educational materials and give-away items, studying • Stronger collaboration and involvement between and learning more about the Palau dugongs with National and State Government agencies; helicopter and boat surveys, and highlighting • Identification of important dugong areas, dugong the ongoing illegal poaching and need for more distribution and range within the country; effective enforcement and action by responsible • More effective enforcement of existing dugong government agencies. Posters, stickers, office laws to stop illegal poaching. folders and baller bands were distributed locally throughout 2010 as well as daily conservation The main need for messages on local TV and regular press releases in effective delivery and local newspapers. implementation of the Palau national dugong programme A free 45 page booklet with the most current data, includes financial support for photographs and findings on Palau dugongs was on-going surveys, capacity published in December 2010 and distributed to building and training in specific local schools and government agencies. As part of areas, improving education the campaign, the local helicopter operation agreed and public awareness as well as to keep daily sightings records on dugongs starting effective management through in October 2010, which will prove greatly beneficial involvement of politicians, to future research and surveys. communities and stakeholders.

15 130°E 140°E 150°E 160°E 170°E 180° 170°W 160°W 150°W 140°W 130°W

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10°N MARSHALL ISLANDS 10°N PAPUAFEDERATED STATES OF NEWMICRONESIA GUINEA PALAU

PACIFIC OCEAN Equator Equator PAPUA NEW GUINEA StatusNAURU of the local dugong population Bismarck KIRIBATI INDONESIA Sea DugongsPNG has recently entered into a newin multilateral the Pacific Region arrangement call the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) Solomon SOLOMON ISLANDS TUVALU through which dugongs are categorized as a Arafura Sea TOKELAU Sea Port Moresby Honiara Threatened Species (G5). This is also reflected in 10°S 10°S PNG’s National Plan of Action. WALLIS AND FUTUNA SAMOA The Dugong population for the whole ofApia the Traditional value of dugong to local population country is unknown. Monitoring has been donePago in Pago Coral AMERICAN SAMOA COOK Alotau. AerialVANUATU surveys forFIJI the last four years have Papeete The dugong is regarded as very important Seato the ISLANDS beenPort focused Vila on flying overSuva the same areas and culture of the residents of the island and coastal TONGA FRENCH resultsNEW indicate a decreasing trend. NIUE 20°S CALEDONIA 20°S Papuan communities of the Torres Strait Region Nuku’alofa In Noumeaa 2009 survey on Manus and Bougainville, Bass POLYNESIA (LabaTropic 1997). of Capricorn Many island groups in Papua New Tropic of Capricorn Guinea claim that the dugong is a totemic animal (2009) recorded the following results: because of its large size and strength. It is believed • Manus: interviews conducted in 13 locations that by using specific parts of the dugong in ritual around the island of Manus. In the first 3 monthsSouth Pacific Ocean ceremonies, plants and humans will be made 30°S of 2008, 64 adult dugong and 18 calves were 30°S strong and healthy (Laba 1997). In addition, drums reported. A total of 187 adult and 48 calves were and decorations are made out of the hide of reported since 2005. Respondents estimated dugongs and spoons and scrapers are Tasman to have seen 952 dugongs in the past carved fromNORTH their bones (Hudson 5 years. 1976). In the Morobe Province, Sea 0 500 1000 km • Bougainville: interviews the teeth and bones are made 40°S 40°S 130°E 140°E 150°E 160°E 170°E conducted180° in 25 locations170°W 160°W 150°W 140°W 130°W into hooks and laces, and in 5 survey areas in in the Milne Bay region Bougainville from the teeth are used as January-February 2008. betel nut crushers and as A total of 20 adults and accessories for necklaces 10 calves were reported (Hudson 1976). In parts of during this period, with Manus and the adjacent a total of 37 adults and 17 islands, dugong meat is an calves reported overall for important component of 2007 and 2008. the Islanders’ traditional food while in other areas, such as It was also noted that the Ponam Island, traditional taboos results from both Provinces were against killing dugongs exist (Sanders encouraging in that dugong were 1979). Hunting pressure on dugongs is reported from each location in significant greatest in the Western Province. The principal numbers. People generally had respect for the people involved in the dugong fishery are the Kiwai dugong and mortality rates from hunting and of the Western Province of Papua New Guinea to the strandings were relatively low. north of Torres Strait.

16 Photo © Bruno Manach/DENV

Known / presumed distribution of dugongs Major threats and relative impacts Dugongs in the PacificDugongs have been reported R to occuregion around the Major threats to dugongs in PNG include: loss of entire coast and islands of Papua New Guinea. A habitat, coastal development, logging operations postal survey conducted in 1973-74 revealed the in very remote areas, ship wreckages by log ships, greatest concentrations (groups of 20-50) occurred sedimentation from heavy rain fall, pollution from around Manus Island, along the northern coast mining (land and sea), direct take by humans from from the border to the mouth of the Sepik River, in certain provinces, lack of legal mandate, and human the vicinity of Madang, in parts of West New Britain, population increases. and from the mouth of the Fly River along the coast The main gaps include: to the Indonesian border (Hudson 1976). In 1975, a shoreline aerial survey of the Daru-Warrior Reef • Limited capacity to conduct work on dugongs; area, the southeast Papuan coast, the Lae area and • Very little emphasis placed on the importance of northwest coast of West New Britain covered over capacity building; 750 miles (1,200 Km) of the Papua New Guinea • Limited sustainable funding to implement coastline (Ligon & Hudson 1977). A total of 186 national programmes; dugongs were sighted with two concentrations of 29 and 39 dugongs over Warrior Reef. The survey • Lack of proper legislation to protect national results were not corrected for biases inherent in animals; the survey technique, and so represent a minimum • Lack of collaboration with NGO partners and population estimate only. Hudson (1976) listed stakeholders on research and monitoring; Samarai Islands, of Milne Bay, Kairiru Island, of Wewak and Lou and St. Andrew Island group off • Lack of an overall picture of how many dugongs Manus as the most important areas for dugong there are and their distribution. conservation in Papua New Guinea. • Lack of educational and awareness programs.

Existing legislation which protects dugongs and other management arrangement

PNG signed the CMS Dugong MoU on 10 September, 2010 at the 2010 SPREP Meeting in Madang.

Recent/current and planned national conservation dugong work

The Marine Division within the Department of Other important tasks include working in close Environment and Conservation was for the first collaboration with NGO partners to promote time given recognition and funding in 2010 for priorities only, working closely with the national the next 3 years. The Division targets at prioritizing network partners through the CTI National Action 2 or 3 major activities to be implemented in the Plan and the conduct of a legislation review of the next 3 years and dugong conservation is included Fauna (Protection & Control) Act. in the Marine National Action Plan as a priority for implementation, aligned with the 2008–2012 Regional Dugong Action Plan.

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20°N HAWAII 20°N Philippine NORTHERN MARIANA Sea ISLANDS

GUAM North Pacific Ocean

10°N MARSHALL ISLANDS 10°N FEDERATEDSOLOMON STATES OF MICRONESIA ISLANDS PALAU

Phot o © Br uno Manach/DENV PACIFIC OCEAN Equator Equator PAPUA NEW GUINEA NAURU Bismarck KIRIBATI INDONESIA Sea • The Kiribati communities in the Western Province

Solomon SOLOMON ISLANDS TUVALUwere reported to have actively involved in the Arafura Sea hunt for dugongs,TOKELAU more so than the locals; Sea Port Moresby Honiara 10°S 10°S • DugongsWALLIS were reported to have been hunted in AND FUTUNA SAMOA the past, even inApia tabu areas, however, never at large scale and rarePago today. Pago AMERICAN Coral COOK FIJI SAMOA VANUATU ISLANDS Papeete Sea Port Vila Suva FRENCH Traditional value of dugongs to localNEW population Known / presumedTONGA NIUEdistribution of dugongs 20°S CALEDONIA 20°S Nuku’alofa Noumea POLYNESIA Tropic of CapricornDugong meat is highly prized in some parts of the Dugongs have been reported in Marovo Lagoon Tropic of Capricorn Solomon Islands. in the Western Province. The surveys in 2009 in Malaita, Central, Isabel and Western Provinces and South Pacific Ocean Status of the local dugong population the South East region in Guadalcanal reported 300 30°S dugongs sighted, comprising of 248 adults and 52 30°S There is very little information on the distribution calves. and abundance of dugongs in the Solomon Tasman Islands and no specific/detailed surveys have been NORTH Major threats, and relative impacts Sea 0 500conducted. 1000 km Major threats and issues concerning dugongs in 40°S 40°S 130°EA 2009 rapid140°E assessment150°E used a series160°E of questions170°E 180° 170°W 160°W 150°W 140°W 130°W Solomon Islands include: with interviews with fishermen and key people from villages in areas where the presence of dugongs was • Lack of specific legislation on Dugongs, Monitoring indicated and where suitable habitats for dugong & Enforcement; were present. A total of 98 interview surveys were • Lack of respect to customary rights/ownership by conducted at 24 locations (Malaita, Central, Isabel certain individuals or groups; and Western Provinces, Guadalcanal). The results of the survey were as follows: • Overhunting, as was reported between 1970- 1980; • 300 dugongs were reported having been sighted, comprising of 248 adults and 52 calves; • Habitat destruction – logging, pollution, sedimentation, seagrass beds, coral / coastal area • 742 dugongs were recorded sighted in the past 10 dredging etc.; years. There is no recorded trend; • Population pressure – fishing pressure, coastal • A total of 56 dugongs were reported stranded from developments; nets but this was reported for both accidental and intentional netting; • Lack of alternative income generating activities for coastal fishers and communities; • Dugongs were reported to be hunted in 47% of the areas surveyed, and 36% of people reportedly • Lack of extension/ dissemination of information, eat dugong, and generally only once or twice a awareness of cultural sensitivities etc.; year; • Long-term sustainable financing for dugong work • Dugongs do not generally form part of the main in country. diet for Solomon Islanders;

18 Phot o © Br uno Manach/DENV

Existing legislation which protects dugongs and other management arrangement

The paramount law in Solomon Islands is the In terms of national policies, strategies and plans, National Constitution which states that “the the current Policy Statement on Environment is to natural resources of our country are vested in the “Ensure sustainable utilization and conservation of people and government of Solomon Islands”. The natural resources, protection of the environment Constitution recognizes traditional systems of and successful adaptation to climate change”. The governance, providing that customary practices are MECOM is mandated to coordinate and guide part of the law of Solomon Islands. sustainable use and conservation of Solomon Islands natural resources. Dugongs are captured There is no specific/separate dugong legislation, but under the National Environment Management it is captured in the following pieces of legislation: Strategy 1993 (outdated and not fully implemented), (i.e. Threatened species) National Environmental Capacity Development • Environment Act (No. 8 of 1998); Action Plan (funded by: CBD, UNFCCC & UNDP), • Wildlife Management and Protection Act (No. 10 National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan (NBSAP), of 1998); Coral Triangle Initiative National Action Plan (CTI), NPOA, Marine Turtle Action Plan and the Project, • Fisheries Act (No. 6 of 1998) (currently under Strengthening Environment Management and review); Reducing the Impact of Climate Change in Solomon • Environment Regulation 2008; Islands (GEF/UNDP). • Protected Areas Bill 2010 (Regulations in gazettal Solomon Islands signed the CMS Dugong MoU on 9 stage and to be drafted before the end of 2011) September, 2010 at the SPREP Meeting in Madang, PNG.

Recent/current and planned national conservation dugong work

There is currently no dugong work in Solomon along its partners, especially the NGOs, Regional Islands but the dugong survey can be captured and International organisations (SPREP and CMS). (because it’s a Threatened Species) in the Ministry Dugong work is one of the high priority threatened Corporate Plan 2010–2014, NBSAP and CTI priority species conservation and management planned activities / Action Plans, although dugong is not activities for Solomon Islands. Solomon Islands is specifically mentioned. yet to have a national dugong action plan which is a priority for the next two years, to adapt the regional The Ministry is willing to support the initiative plan into national priority actions and implement it on dugong and is willing and prepared to work in this country.

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PACIFIC OCEAN Equator Equator PAPUA NEW GUINEA NAURU Bismarck KIRIBATI INDONESIA Sea VANUATU Solomon SOLOMON ISLANDS TUVALU Pho to © Co mmo Arafura Sea nwea TOKELAU lth of A Sea Port Moresby Honiara ustralia (GBRMPA) 10°S 10°S WALLIS almostAND all the islands. Anecdotal information seems FUTUNA SAMOA to indicate that a lotApia of dugongs are found especially Pago Pago around Malekula AMERICAN (the second largest Island in Coral COOK FIJI Vanuatu), Epi islandsSAMOA and Efate. These islands are VANUATU ISLANDS Papeete Sea Port Vila Suvalocated in the central part of the country. This is very likely to be linked with the fact that both islands FRENCH NEW TONGA NIUE 20°S CALEDONIA have a relatively high degree of seagrass areas, 20°S Nuku’alofa Noumea which are good dugong habitat. Dugongs appear POLYNESIA Tropic of Capricorn to be hunted, thus indication of their occurrence, in Tropic of Capricorn Traditional value of dugong to local population three main regions Vanuatu: the Maskelynes area of southeast Malakula, northern Epi and parts of Efate Dugong meat is considered a minor component (Chambers et al. 1989). South Pacific Ocean of the subsistence diet of the people of Vanuatu. Dugongs are traditionally hunted almost entirely 30°S Major threats and relative impacts 30°S for their meat, with oil being a subsidiary product. Some handicrafts made from dugongs exist. While The absence of data makes it difficult to identify/ hunting occurs in some areas of Vanuatu, in others it quantify threats or impacts that affect the dugong is considered taboo toTasman kill them. UNEP/IUCN (1988) populations in Vanuatu. However, information NORTH record the presence of a wide variety of traditional collected from numerous accounts made by practices such as the seasonalSea custom ‘tabu’ which is fishermen and local people indicate that a large 0 500 1000 km applied in areas important for dugong conservation. number of dugongs get entangled in gill nets. 40°S 40°S 130°E 140°E Tabu150°E is a practice implemented160°E by village170°E chiefs Increases180° in coastal 170°W developments over160°W the last 150°W 140°W 130°W that restricts the use of certain resources to ensure ten years primarily for housing and tourism, mainly sustainability of natural resources (Kile et al. 2000). on the most urbanized islands of Efate and Santo, Dugongs appear to be hunted in three main regions including increased numbers of motorized boats are of Vanuatu – the Maskelynes area of southeast potentially impacting dugongs and their habitat. Malakula, northern Epi and parts of Efate (Chambers et al. 1989). Existing legislation which protects dugongs and other management arrangement Status of the local dugong population Dugongs, as marine mammals, are protected under No proper study, other than a 1987 report on the the Vanuatu Whale Sanctuary established under the population of dugong in Vanuatu (Chambers et Fisheries Act No. 55 of 2005: (Prior to this, dugongs al), has been undertaken in Vanuatu to document were also protected under the previous Fisheries dugong population numbers or their distribution Act.) in the past. Apart from the 1987 report, data for • It is prohibited to kill, harm, harass, take or move population trends do not exist other than the any marine mammal in the Vanuatu Whale observations by the local people and their own Sanctuary; existing traditional knowledge. Communities have reported increased numbers of dugongs due to • It is also prohibited to (a) possess, hold in captivity awareness of laws against killing them, which have or restrict the movement of any marine mammal come into effect in the last 15–20 years. in the Vanuatu Whale Sanctuary; or (b) possess a part of a marine mammal, or a product produced Known / presumed distribution of dugongs from a marine mammal, taken in the Vanuatu Whale Sanctuary; Most of Vanuatu’s coasts are unsuitable as dugong • It is also prohibited to export from Vanuatu or habitat, however Dugongs have been sighted on facilitate the export from Vanuatu of any marine

20 Pho to © Co mmo nwea lth of Australia (GBRMPA)

mammal, marine mammal part or marine marine mammal from, Vanuatu if the Director mammal product. It is also prohibited to import is satisfied that the destination of the marine into Vanuatu or facilitate the importation into mammal is a public aquarium, public exhibition Vanuatu of any marine mammal, marine mammal or a swim-with-marine mammals program for part, or marine mammal product. members of the public. • Only non-lethal research is allowed but which Vanuatu signed the CMS Dugong MoU on 4 October requires a permit from the Director. 2010 at the First Official Signatory State Meeting of • Exemptions for the taking of dugongs and import the CMS Dugong MoU, Abu Dhabi, 4–6 October, of marine mammal teeth are made for traditional 2010. ceremonial purposes. Vanuatu has a national Dugong Action Plan, which • The Director may issue a permit to allow a person is based on the SPREP Regional Dugong Action Plan. to import a marine mammal into, or export a

Recent/current and planned national conservation dugong work

The year was officially launched in June 2011 ,as the ua Lava and Ureparapara in the Banks group, which Pacific Year of the Dugong, by the Minister of Lands is in the northern part of the country. Hon. Stephen Kalsakau, and a nationwide survey While the project mainly attempted to map of the populations of dugongs in Vanuatu was mangrove and sea-grass bed areas suitable for carried out throughout 2011 with questionnaires dugongs, it also attempted to identify causes of given to local villagers (especially fishermen) to find dugong habitat destruction. One of the end results out the number of dugong sightings and areas of of the project has been to update existing maps by importance to dugong around the country. In late 2012. 2011 awareness talks were given on the Year of the Dugong, and the importance of the dugong, to Several community workshops have been carried schools around Port Vila and communities around out on dugongs and whales and a dugong poster Efate and its offshore islands, which are prime explaining the distribution of dugong, the threats that dugong locations and habitat (especially around are affecting them, and why they are endangered, north Efate). Presentations on the importance of has been produced. this dugong campaign were also given in other This project has created a lot of community affected islands, such as Santo Malekula, Epi and awareness and using about 80 field workers who Banks Torres, which are also considered prime have been given educational material and involved dugong locations in Vanuatu. The Vanuatu Cultural in workshops. Centre has been documenting cultural values of Surveys have been carried out through questionnaires dugongs in various areas of Vanuatu, as specified asking local fishermen, villagers to report on dugong under the DAP sightings, areas of importance, etc. And these A dugong project was undertaken by the Vanuatu questionnaires were sent to various communities, Cultural Center, dealing with surveying dugongs volunteers stationed around the islands, field workers and dugong habitats, and documenting the local provincial officers, various government officers around knowledge concerning dugongs. The project would the country to help get these questionnaires done work closely with communities targeting two sites, and sent back to get a good overall picture of dugong around Efate (where the capital is situated) and Van- populations existing in Vanuatu today.

21 FACTSHEET Pacific Dugongs Factsheet Pacific Dugongs

Fast facts Type: Mammal Diet: Herbivore Lifespan in wild: 73 years Age at first breeding: 7 - 17 years Calving interval: 2.5 – 6 years Lactation: ~1.5 years Length (fully grown): 2.4 to 3 metres (8-10 ft) Weight (fully grown): 231 to 500 kg (510 – 1,100 lbs) © Commonwealth of Australia (GBRMPA) Scientific Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Range and Habitat: Dugong occurs in 38-45 countries and territories, tropical Class: Mammalia and subtropical coastal and island waters from east Africa in Order: Sirenia the Indian Ocean to Vanuatu in the Pacific Ocean, between Family: Dugongidae o o Subfamily: Dugonginae about 260 and 270 north and south of the equator. In the Genus: Dugong Pacific Islands region, dugongs are found in Australia, Palau, Species: Dugong dugon Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and Vanuatu.

What are dugongs? Status: The 2008 IUCN Red List classifies dugong as vulnerable Dugongs are large marine mammals and are the only to extinction on a global scale. While they are still present at strictly marine herbivorous mammals. They are sometimes the extreme ends of their range, they have disappeared from called “sea-cows” and are usually found in shallow waters several areas. In the Pacific Islands region the status of dugong protected from large waves and storms. The word “dugong” populations is generally unknown with the exception of that derives from the Tagalog term for “lady of the sea”. in the Torres Strait.

Biology: Dugongs are the only surviving species of the Value of dugongs family Dugongidae - its closest relative, Stellar’s sea-cow, Dugongs play a significant ecological role in maintaining was hunted to extinction within 27 years of its discovery coastal habitats. Dugongs are also of high cultural value in in the eighteenth century. They have a thick layer of fat many communities, a valued source of food, medicine and giving them a distinctly rotund posture, small paddle-like artifacts and thus an important species for coastal people. flippers positioned far forward on the body and a broad, Threats to dugong habitat flattened powerful tail that resembles the tail of a whale. Coastal development including human settlement: Calves at birth are about 1.2 metres long weighing about These activities increase sedimentation and turbidity in coastal 30kg. Dugongs have few natural predators. However, waters where seagrasses are found. Sedimentation and turbidity sharks, crocodiles and killer whales will feed on young not only smother seagrass but also reduce the amount of light dugongs. reaching them, resulting in the degradation of seagrasses and a reduction in their density and productivity. Diet: Dugongs feed mainly on seagrass, rooting for them with their bristled, sensitive snouts and chomping them Nutrient runoff from land: Nutrient enrichment due to with their rough lips. They maximize the intake of nutri- land runoff leads to algal bloom which in turn results in ents by selecting, for food, seagrass species that are highly reduced light levels for seagrasses. Nutrient enrichment may digestible and have high nutrients. They can supplement also change the community structure of seagrass habitat, their diet with invertebrates (polychaete worms, sea squirts eg. increased seaweeds and fewer seagrasses. and shellfish).

The continuing health of dugong populations is essential to maintaining a healthy Pacific Ocean.

22 SPREP Factsheet No. IE-007 Photo credit Commonwealth of Australia (GBRMPA) Revised February 2011

Threats to dugongs Dugong Regional Management Effort in Dugongs die every year for many reasons, both natural and the Pacific Islands Region human related. Dugong deaths need to be minimised to The Pacific Islands region supports the world’s largest ensure that enough baby dugongs continue to be born to remaining population of dugongs, although much of this maintain long-term adult population numbers. Although it is shared between Australia and Papua New Guinea. has been estimated that a dugong population of only 100 Concerns over the state of marine mammals in the region animals would not sustain any human-caused mortality (the resulted in a marine mammal conservation programme at most common reason for dugong deaths), further research SPREP which currently has a 5-year regional Dugong Action is needed to determine what constitutes a sustainable Plan (2008-2012) in place. dugong population in the Pacific. All dugong range states in the Pacific Islands region (SPREP members that have dugongs in their waters) have signed Hunting for food, medicine and artifacts: These languid the Convention on Migratory Species Memorandum of animals make an easy target for coastal hunters and they have Understanding on the Conservation and Management of been long sought after for their meat, oil, skin, bones and teeth. Dugongs and their Habitats throughout their range. Specific parts of the dugong are used in customary events (e.g. weddings) as well as for making traditional items, including drums, International agreements to protect hooks and necklaces. dugongs The Convention on the Conservation of Incidental by-catch and vessel strikes: The incidental Migratory Species of Wild Animals (also drowning of dugongs caught in fishing gear, such as gill known as CMS or Bonn Convention) nets, has largely contributed to the decline of dugongs in aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and much of its Pacific range. The increase in vessel traffic also avian migratory species throughout increases the likelihood of dugongs being killed by vessel their range. It is an intergovernmental treaty, concluded under strikes. the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme, concerned with the conservation of wildlife and habitats on Challenges for dugong conservation and a global scale. management CMS Link: http://www.cms.int/about/index.htm Lack of data and information, including basic population parameters and long term data sets; References and Suggested Additional Limited information exchange, linkages and collaboration; Reading Absence and lack of ongoing and long term research, survey • About.com Animal/Wildlife. Dugong-Dugong dugon. and monitoring programmes through much of its range; http://animals.about.com/od/mammals/p/dugong.htm Limited public awarenes and education programmes; • Australian Government, Department of the Environment, Water, Limited in-country skills/capacity to provide leadership in Heritage and the Art. Dugongs. marine species conservation management; http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/species/dugongs/in- Limited national management mechanisms to protect dex.html marine animals and their habitat; • CRC Reef. 2002. Dugongs in the Great Barrier Reef. www.reef. Lack of resources, including accessing sustained funding. crc.org.au/publications/brochures/dugong_2002.pdf • Dugong (Seacow) http://australian-animals.net/dugong.htm. • National Geographic. Dugong-Dugong dugon. http://animals. nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/dugong.html • UNEP, 2010, Dugong Status Report and Action Plans for Countries and Territories; Early Warning and assessment Report Series. http://www. unep.org/dewa/reports/dugongreport.asp. Pacific Islands Regional Marine Species Programme 2008 - 2012 http://www.sprep.org/att/publication/000723_marinespe- ciesweb.pdf

© Commonwealth of Australia (GBRMPA)

For more information, contact: SPREP Factsheet No. IE-007 Island Ecoystems Programme ([email protected]) Photo credit Commonwealth of Australia (GBRMPA) Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Revised February 2011 23 Environment Programme (SPREP) P. O. Box 240 • Apia, Samoa • +68-5-21929 www.sprep.org Our Vision is a Pacific environment, sustaining our livelihoods and natural heritage in harmony with our cultures FACTSHEET Pacific Seagrasses Factsheet Pacific Seagrasses

Once fertilised, seed pods are produced and these are dis- persed by the currents. The expansion of seagrass beds is often not due to the growth of new individual plants from seeds but from the continual growth of rhizomes.

Importance of seagrasses

Seagrasses provide food, shelter, breeding and nursery areas for many marine organisms. Big animals graze on them; small animals live amongst them. Research has found that in a 400 square kilometre of seagrass can support 2,000 tonnes of fish a year, of which many species are important for subsistence and commercial fisheries. Our fisheries rely on the health of our seagrass beds. Seagrasses are flowering plants (angiosperms) that grow exclusively in the marine environment. Seagrasses are Seagrasess as food 1 2 3 marine plants like mangroves and algae (seaweeds) and are found throughout most Pacific Islands. They relate Seagrasses are food for many culturally important more closely to water lilies and orchids than land grasses. species, including dugong, sea-turtles, fishes, sea- Scientists believe that seagrasses originated from land birds and invertebrates. Decaying leaves provide food plants, either directly from the land, or via freshwater. for small organisms such as bacteria, worms and crabs; these in turn are eaten by juvenile fish, prawns and They have extensive underground systems (rhizomes) and sea-birds. strong roots that anchor the plant to sandy and muddy substratum. The roots absorb nutrients but, unlike land Coastal erosion 5 plants, do not take up water. To cope with living in oxygen- Seagrasses prevent coastal erosion by trapping sediments poor mud, seagrasses have air canals that carry oxygen and stabilising the substratum with their rhizome and root from the leaves to the buried rhizomes and roots. Excess systems. Wave energy is lessened as it flows over seagrasses oxygen is secreted from the roots to help create a suitable minimising the impact on coastal areas. Seagrass leaves trap environment for bacterial growth to speed up the break- sediments making the water clear. down of detritus.

fish Seagrass diversity and habitats plankton (microscopic) There are 60 species of seagrasses globally, distributed 3 from the Arctic to the southern end of New Zealand. juvenile fish Tropical regions have the greatest species diversity. The Pacific Islands have 15 species found mostly in the western green turtle 2 Pacific, with species numbers declining as you go eastward. prawns eggs Endemic seagrasses are rare with Halophila ovalis subspecies 4 bullosa found only in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. alga (seaweed) 1 dugong Seagrasses form beds or meadows comprising of one or crab sponges more species. These beds are common at water depths of mussels 2-15 metres but can grow at depths of 50 metres or more. worm 5 sea-cucumber Seagrass reproduction and growth sea-urchins

Seagrass reproduction takes place underwater; pollen Seagrasses are vital for the ongoing health of our coastal waters and fisheries. The numbers shown here correspond to some of the is carried by the current until it attaches to the stigma. important features of seagrasses identified in the text.

24 SPREP Factsheet No. IE-006 Illustrations by Kylie Jayne; Photo by Jim Maragos. Revised February 2011

Shelter and nursery grounds 4 Nutrients

Seagrass beds are often refuge for small animals and plants, Nutrients in the sea may come from sewage, fertiliser run- receiving protection from predators, and from harsh sunlight use seagrass beds as nursery areas before moving into other and phosphorous encourage growth of algae, which can habitats. Commercially important prawns hatch in the open overgrow and smother seagrasses. ocean and make their way to coastal waters where they set- tle in seagrass beds. When they become large juveniles, they Oil in countries like Australia and Papua New Guinea. Many ani- Oil spills damage seagrasses by poisoning them and mals also lay their eggs in seagrasses. If seagrasses disappear, the organisms that live within them. Oil droplets can so will many of the animals and plants that depend on them, attach themselves to the mud and sand making them as well as our food source. easy to oat away with the current. This leads to the seagrass beds eroding.

Save our Seagrasses The oceans are our greatest source for absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the most potent gases responsible land and by what we put into the sea. Our population is for global warming. Since the industrial revolution, CO2 emissions into the atmosphere have increased by 30 per increasing along the coastline, which puts pressure on our marine environment including seagrass beds. What we cent. The excess CO2 absorbed by the ocean is reducing the pH making the seawater more acidic (known as Ocean do to help the environment will also help seagrasses. By managing our land and activities carefully we will save our seagrasses and our own future. and other marine plants can convert this CO2 into oxygen and simple carbohydrates through photosynthesis, thus How can you help? trapping the CO . This is known as carbon sequestration. 2 Your actions will make an important contribution Depending on the species, local environment and time of to saving our seagrasses and protecting the marine the year, seagrasses can sequester up to 1.33 metric tons of environment. Some of the things you can do: carbon per hectare per year. By removing the excess CO2 from the ocean, seagrasses are able to help balance the • Keep an eye on your seagrass beds. Join or ocean pH and contribute to safeguarding ocean life and to form a group to carry out regular monitoring and conservation of seagrass beds;

Threats to seagrass • Tell friends and family about the importance Because seagrass beds are found in shallow coastal waters close to human habitation, they are vulnerable to human • Discourage activities such as dredging, activities such as boating, coastal development, dredging tsunamis, can also cause damage to seagrass beds. • Be careful about what you put down the drain - Dredging it may be harmful to seagrass and marine life;

Dredging of shipping channels, ports and canals can kill sea- • When boating, go slow and don’t anchor grass by their physical removal, or by smothering caused by around shallow seagrass beds; too much sediment in the water blocking out sunlight. • Consider the impacts to seagrass beds in environmental impact assessments for coastal development, such as dredging reclamation and construction work.

For more information, contact: SPREP Factsheet No. IE-006 Information Resource Centre ([email protected]) Illustrations by Kylie Jayne; Photo by Jim Maragos. Environment Programme (SPREP) Revised February 2011 25 P.O. Box 240 • Apia, Samoa • +68-5-21929 www.sprep.org FACTSHEET Working together to saveWorking Dugongs together to save Dugongs

New Caledonia, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu). It is important in many traditions and cultures. Some of the most important

Dugongs have been in existence for millions of years but they are now threatened. Their numbers have decreased in many areas and some populations have now completely disappeared. The dugong is considered vulnerable to extinction on a global scale and all dugong populations are listed in Appendix 1 of the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species

SPREP has in place a regional dugong action plan, which was developed and endorsed by members.

2011 Paci c Year of the Dugong National guidance and leadership 2011 has been declared the Paci c Government (including researchers, legislators and policy Year of the Dugong. This is a regional makers) play a vital role in the strengthening of national campaign aimed at increasing activities that include: protection of dugongs and their Establishing/improving programmes (e.g. research and habitats by raising awareness, monitoring) to obtain and update information on dugong improving knowledge and fostering partnerships for conservation of dugongs and their Establishing habitats. dugong conservation, where none exist; Reviewing - Campaign Objectives tion and policies concerning dugong conservation; and 1 Promote awareness and conservation of dugongs Improving enforcement mechanisms at site-level targeting key stewards and the shing Working together to strengthen Paci c industry; Dugong conservation partnership 2 Reduce dugong mortality from human activities; Given their status, dugong conservation requires 3 Improve status information and promote sustainable long-term regional collaboration and partnership management of dugong populations and protection of for the eorts to be eective. Dugongs are part of the Paci c biodiversity and their conservation is a practical national legislation and policies; shared responsibility. SPREP is promoting the need 4 Advance partnerships and secure resources for long-term for communities, governments and industry to work support for dugong conservation in the region. together to strengthen dugong conservation. This regional campaign is facilitated by SPREP in Community management collaboration with other conservation organisations Dugongs have high cultural value and are a valued and agencies, international species convent ions source of food, medicine and artefacts. Dugongs feed particularly the Convention on Migratory Species in shallow waters often within areas that fall under (CMS), national governments and other organizations traditional ownership or community shing grounds. and agencies. Commercial shermen, particularly shermen that use The success of the campaign is dependent on the gillnets, also use areas where dugongs occur. Dugong participation of partners and the integration of the mortalities from by-catches in gillnets, boat strikes campaign activities into national programme plans. from commercial operations are signi cant. SPREP and partners will work to strengthen community-based initiatives within the following focus areas: Identifying and protecting dugong feeding areas in range states; Improving information bases to be used by communities and schools; Strengthening community and industry involvement to reduce threats from over-harvesting, habitat destruction, by-catch, and marine pollution. © Commonwealth of Australia (GBRMPA)

26 Working together to save Dugongs SPREP Factsheet No. IE-008 Photo credit Commonwealth of Australia (GBRMPA) Revised February 2011

What you can do to help:

Stop excessive and illegal hunting Many countries have laws that control the harvesting of dugong. Respect the law. In the absence of national laws, respect relevant traditional laws and use the precautionary approach.

Develop appropriate legislation Some countries may not have laws to protect dugongs and © Commonwealth of Australia (GBRMPA)

Dugong Regional Management E ort Consider the impacts of coastal development on in the Pacic Islands Region sea-grass habitats in the EIA processes Coastal development easily impact negatively of sea-grass remaining population of dugongs, although much of this beds on which dugongs and other marine organisms rely is shared between Australia and Papua New Guinea. for food. Environment Impact Assessment processes need Concerns over the state of marine mammals in the region to incorporate these impacts. resulted in a marine mammal conservation programme at SPREP which currently has a 5-year regional Dugong Action Minimize impacts from gillnets Plan (2008-2012) in place. Dugong mortality from gillnets is high. Minimize drownings by setting gillnets in areas not frequented by dugongs and never members that have dugongs in their waters) have signed leave nets unattended to enable freeing of any caught dugong. the Convention on Migratory Species Memorandum of Do not dispose old nets in the sea or on the shore. Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs and their Habitats throughout their range. Control boating where dugongs occur Dugong mortality from boat strikes is increasing due to International agreements to protect dugongs your boat and be on the alert for dugongs when in areas The Convention on the Con- where dugongs occur. servation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (also known as Protect important habitats for dugongs CMS or Bonn Convention) aims Seagrass beds are of vital importance to the coastal ecosys- to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout their range. host of other marine organisms that depend on seagrass It is an intergovernmental treaty, concluded under the for food and shelter. aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme, concerned with the conservation of wildlife and habitats Start and support dugong conservation work on a global scale. CMS Link: http://www.cms.int/about/index.htm unknown. This is due mainly to the absence of in-country dugong programmes. Priority should be given to establish dugong programmes at both community and national The continuing health of dugong levels. populations is essential to Spread the word! maintaining a healthy Pacic Ocean. Share what you know about dugong with your friends, family and communities. Learn about local conservation

help.

27 The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) PO Box 240, Apia, Samoa

T : (685) 21929

F : (685) 20231

W : www.sprep.org 28 Our Vision is a Pacific environment, sustaining our livelihoods and natural 28 heritage in harmony with our cultures