26 countries seek conservation of dugongs

MANILA, Philippines - Twenty-six countries, including the Philippines have recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that provides for the conservation of dugongs or sea cows which are said to be a highly threatened species.

The meeting where the signing by participating countries took place prompted government officials and experts to consider the conservation status of dugongs and share information on related conservation efforts worldwide.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said leading authorities on marine mammals, in particular professor Helene Marsh from James Cook University (Australia) and Dr. John Reynolds from Mote Marine Laboratory (United States) gave presentations highlighting the challenges facing dugong and seagrass conservationists.

“These marine mammals are affected by a range of human-related threats such as capture in net fishing gear and habitat degradation. In addition, extreme weather patterns such as severe storm events destroy critical seagrass beds on which dugongs depend,” the organizers said.