Editorial 2: ​Swim to safety

Context

Partnering with fishers can strengthen marine conservation efforts.

Introduction

Dugongs, once abundant across the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf of Kutch, and Andaman-Nicobar Islands, now number only a few hundred due to poaching, by-catch, habitat loss, and pollution. Recent steps like the Dugong Conservation Reserve (2022), community participation, and use of technology show India’s emerging but fragile commitment to marine conservation and seagrass ecosystem protection.

Decline of Dugongs in India

• Once widespread in Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf of Kutch, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Population reduced to a few hundred due to:
  • Poaching
  • By-catch in fishing nets
  • Habitat loss
  • Pollution
  • Slow reproductive rate

Recent Conservation Efforts

• Dugong Conservation Reserve (2022):
  • Established in Palk Bay under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
  • Protects 12,000+ hectares of seagrass meadows.
  • Serves as a model of integrated marine conservation.
• Tamil Nadu’s Leadership:
  • Supported by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
  • Community participation helped reduce poaching.
  • Fishers encouraged to release dugongs caught as by-catch.
• Recognition:
  • IUCN lauded the reserve for ecological importance and innovative restoration.
  • WII surveys estimate over 200 dugongs in the area — fragile but hopeful recovery.
• Technological Support:
  • Use of drones, acoustic mapping, and satellite-based mapping for seagrass beds.

Challenges Ahead

• Ongoing Threats:
  • Mechanised fishing, port construction, dredging.
  • Agricultural and industrial pollution.
  • Dugongs still dying in fishing nets.
• Climate Concerns:
  • Rising sea temperatures, acidification, and storms endanger seagrass restoration.
• Regional Disparities:
  • Populations in Gujarat and Andamans are smaller and less protected compared to Tamil Nadu.
• Cross-border Collaboration Needed:
  • Dugongs migrate across the Palk Strait to Sri Lanka.
  • Recovery efforts must be shared regionally.
• Funding Issues:
  • Relies on compensatory afforestation fund.
  • Dugongs’ long reproductive cycle demands sustained, long-term investment.

Broader Lessons for Marine Conservation

• Community Engagement:
  • Partnering with fishers reduces by-catch and builds local support.
• International Endorsement:
  • IUCN recognition amplifies domestic efforts, legitimacy, and global cooperation.
• Blending Knowledge Systems:
  • Combining traditional ecological knowledge with modern technologies (drones, echosounders) strengthens conservation.

Conclusion

Despite progress, dugongs face threats from mechanised fishing, climate change, habitat degradation, and funding gaps. Cross-border collaboration with Sri Lanka, stronger long-term investment, and sustained community engagement with fishers are vital for recovery. The Palk Bay initiative illustrates how local participation, global recognition, and blended knowledge systems can create a resilient framework for marine species conservation in India.