Happy World Dugong Day May 28th

How Can We Honour Dugongs as Icons of Marine Preservation on World Dugong Day?

 Author: Sherry Bruce

Dugongs stand out as nature's master eco-engineers, shaping the intricate dynamics of marine ecosystems.

An eco-engineer is an organism that plays a significant role in shaping and maintaining its environment, often through natural behaviours that often have a positive impact on ecosystem health. In the context of marine environments, an eco-engineer can be a species that influences the structure and function of underwater habitats.

In the underwater world of the Pumicestone Passage, picture a gardener of unparalleled skill, meticulously tending to the underwater landscape for the benefit of all marine life. This masterful gardener, the Dugong, is, nature's aquatic cultivator.

As Dugongs graze on seagrass, their main food source, they carefully manage the seagrass beds. Their grazing serves a dual purpose, not merely for sustenance but it also plays a vital role in preserving balance. By nibbling on seagrass, they control its growth, allowing new plants to thrive and ensuring the ecosystem's health. Seagrass beds act as a shield against erosion and maintain the delicate balance of underwater habitats, home to numerous species.

The Dugong's role extends beyond tending to seagrass. They serve as nutrient recyclers, enriching the water with essential elements vital for marine life's growth, benefiting marine ecosystems and supporting fisheries that provide sustenance and livelihoods for coastal communities. Moreover, the seagrass beds they assist in maintaining play a pivotal role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making a substantial contribution to efforts aimed at stabilising the climate.

Honouring Dugongs on World Dugong Day: Ways You Can Make a Difference

1.     Educate: Share informative posts and engaging infographics about Dugongs and their crucial role in marine ecosystems.

2.     Act Locally: Organise or join beach clean-ups and seagrass restoration activities in collaboration with local conservation groups.

3.     Make a Pledge: Commit to everyday actions like greatly reducing plastic use, eliminating pesticide and herbicide use in gardening, avoiding flushing cat poo down the toilet, practicing responsible boating, and supporting sustainable fishing practices to protect dugong habitats.

4.     Advocate: Sign petitions and support campaigns that advocate for the protection of Dugong habitats and marine environments.

5.     Support Projects: Contribute to local conservation projects, supporting environmental initiatives and projects, focused on Dugong research, monitoring, and protection efforts. Support the #BribieIslandEnvironmentalProtectionAssociation

6.     Express Creativity: Create art or multimedia projects that highlight the beauty and importance of Dugongs in marine ecosystems.

7.     Share Stories: Share personal stories or experiences related to Dugongs and marine preservation to inspire others in the community.

Let's celebrate and discover ways to protect these incredible creatures on World Dugong Day and every day! #WorldDugongDay #MarineConservation #ProtectOurOceans