News
2 November, 2024
Dive into Dugong awareness day
Rotary Redcliffe Sunrise is hosting a family DUGONG awareness day on Sunday, November 24, from 10am to 2pm at Pelican Park at Clontarf.
The Dugong event is free to attend and will be opened by the Moreton Bay Council environmental lead, Cr Cath Tonks, followed by a presentation titled “Why I Should Care About Dugongs” by Assoc Prof Daryl McPhee from Bond Environmental marine science.
There will be kids' painting, a dance/song performance by Indigenous Insights, Sharron Mirii Bell, and even an opportunity to learn more about the use of native foods by chef Chris Jordan from 3littlebirds.
Here are seven reasons to care about Dugongs:
1. Ecosystem Balance – They eat leaves of seagrass and thus make the environment healthy for a range of other species.
2. Seagrass Meadows – Dugongs graze on this, and seagrass is a carbon sink, which is beneficial for combating climate change.
3. Water Quality and Coastal Protection – Healthy seagrass meadows act as natural water filters, trapping sediment and nutrients, thus keeping the water clean.
4. Indicator Species – If the Dugongs are in large numbers and healthy, it is a good sign of a robust ecosystem. For example, in 1891, there was a herd of Dugongs 8 km long.
5. Biodiversity and Food Security – The seagrass beds serve as fantastic breeding grounds and nurseries, supporting sustainable fishing practices.
6. Cultural and Economic Value – By understanding how and where Dugongs live, we can protect them and their habitats.
7. Conservation Efforts – Many factors make Dugongs more vulnerable. By knowing more about their habitat, we can identify what to protect in the marine and surrounding environment.
