Sri Lanka’s coastal waters are home to a diverse array of marine life, but, among its most captivating residents is the dugong (Dugong dugon), affectionately known as the ‘sea cow’. These gentle, herbivorous mammals have roamed the shallow, seagrass-filled waters of the Indian Ocean for millennia, quietly grazing on underwater meadows. However, their serene existence is now under threat, as dugongs face a precarious future in Sri Lankan waters. With their population critically endangered, it is time to shed light on their plight and rally efforts for their conservation.
A history of abundance
In the early 1900s, Sri Lanka’s Northern coastal regions, particularly the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar, were teeming with dugongs. Historical accounts describe herds numbering in the hundreds, a testament to the rich seagrass meadows that sustained them. The waters around the Puttalam Lagoon, Kalpitiya, Mannar, and Jaffna were known hotspots for these creatures.
However, the tide began to turn by the mid-20th Century. By the 1980s, aerial surveys conducted over these regions failed to sight a single dugong. Today, anecdotal evidence suggests that sightings are exceedingly rare, with most reports involving solitary individuals rather than herds. This dramatic decline underscores the urgent need to address the factors endangering these gentle giants.
Why are dugongs disappearing?
The threats to dugongs are numerous and interlinked, stemming primarily from human activities. Below are the key drivers behind their decline.
Habitat loss and degradation
Dugongs depend exclusively on seagrass meadows for their survival. These underwater pastures provide them with food and shelter. In Sri Lanka, seagrass meadows are predominantly found in the North Western Province. Yet, ongoing research indicates that dugongs once had a far broader range around the island.
The destruction of these habitats has been catastrophic. Coastal development, pollution, and destructive fishing practices have all taken a toll. For instance, the practice of bottom trawling dragging weighted nets across the seabed not only destroys seagrass but also disrupts the entire marine ecosystem.
Bycatch in fishing gear
Fishing practices in Sri Lanka have inadvertently become one of the leading causes of dugong mortality. Bottom-set gill nets, which are designed to catch rays and skates, often ensnare dugongs. Once entangled, these air-breathing mammals struggle to free themselves, eventually drowning when they are unable to surface for oxygen. Dugongs, unfortunately, tend to swim close to the shores, making them even more vulnerable to these nets. Dynamite fishing, an illegal but persistent practice, not only harms seagrass habitats but is also used deliberately to hunt dugongs, particularly in Mannar, where waters up to five to 10 kilometres offshore are targeted. Although the Navy occasionally patrols these areas, enforcement remains inconsistent.
Illegal hunting
Despite being protected under Sri Lankan law since 1970, dugongs are still hunted illegally. Their meat is erroneously believed to have medicinal and aphrodisiac properties, creating a lucrative underground market. Historically, their hides and oil were also sought after, with the latter being used as a treatment for wooden boat hulls. Although commercial hunting has ceased, poaching persists, driven by economic desperation in some coastal communities. The underground market for dugong flesh continues to thrive in certain areas, adding to the species’ woes.
Climate change
The warming of ocean waters and rising sea levels have indirect but profound impacts on dugongs. Changes in water temperature can affect the growth of seagrass, their primary food source. Additionally, extreme weather events such as cyclones can damage seagrass meadows, leaving dugongs with dwindling feeding grounds.
A population on the brink
Accurate data on Sri Lanka’s dugong population is scarce, but it is clear that their numbers are critically low. Sightings are rare, and researchers estimate that the population may consist of only a handful of individuals. This makes dugongs one of the most endangered marine species in Sri Lanka. The urgency to act cannot be overstated.
SL conservation efforts
Recognising the dire situation, Sri Lanka has taken steps to protect its dugongs and their habitats. One of the most notable initiatives was the Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project (2015-2018), a global effort that included Sri Lanka as a key participant. This project laid the groundwork for a conservation management plan aimed at reversing the decline of dugong populations. Key actions included:
Marine protected areas: The project proposed the establishment of an additional 10,000 hectares of marine protected areas in the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Bay. These areas would serve as sanctuaries for dugongs, safeguarding their feeding and breeding grounds.
Community engagement: Local fishing communities were engaged in awareness campaigns to reduce bycatch and illegal hunting. By educating fishermen about the importance of dugongs and offering alternative livelihoods, the project aimed to create a sense of stewardship among coastal residents.
Policy strengthening: The project emphasised the need for stronger legal frameworks to protect dugongs. This included the stricter enforcement of existing laws and the development of new regulations to mitigate threats such as bycatch and habitat destruction.
The role of local communities
Community involvement is crucial for the success of any conservation effort. In Sri Lanka, fishing communities are both a potential threat to dugongs and a key part of the solution. Engaging these communities in conservation activities can help bridge the gap between economic needs and environmental stewardship.
By introducing sustainable fishing methods and creating alternative ways for people to earn, like ecotourism, we can help reduce the pressure on harmful practices. Involving local communities is key to encouraging them to report dugong sightings and to take part in monitoring efforts, while rewarding fishermen who rescue and release dugongs not only supports conservation but also provides researchers with essential data.
Why dugongs matter
The loss of dugongs would not only signify the extinction of a unique species but also disrupt the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. As primary grazers of seagrass meadows, dugongs play a vital role in maintaining the health of these ecosystems. Seagrass beds, in turn, act as carbon sinks, absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Moreover, dugongs hold cultural and ecological significance. In many coastal communities, they are regarded as symbols of marine biodiversity. Protecting them is not just about saving a species; it is about preserving the rich natural heritage of Sri Lanka for future generations.
Picture this: a time when children in Sri Lanka could gaze into shallow coastal waters and marvel at herds of dugongs gliding gracefully among the seagrass. Now imagine those same children, decades from now, walking through a museum exhibit titled ‘extinct marine mammals of Sri Lanka’, staring at a replica of a dugong that once roamed their waters. That is the haunting reality that we face if urgent action is not taken.
Yet, there is still hope. With every effort made to restore seagrass habitats, enforce protections, and engage communities, the dugong’s story could have a different ending. Perhaps, years from now, those same children will instead witness the quiet ripple of a dugong surfacing for air, a living testament to resilience and conservation. The choice is ours, and the time to act is now.
(The writer is an electronics engineer with a background in information technology and sustainability)
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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication