Nets are just one of the causes of the decline in dugong numbers.
Dugong numbers have declined significantly since 1986-87 in the southern region of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and the species is facing the threat of disappearing from the area. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is most concerned and, in collaboration with other agencies, is taking action to help arrest the decline. The decline of dugong numbers on the southern Great Barrier Reef was discovered through aerial surveys commissioned by the Authority. The decline does not appear to be due to emigration from the region. There is anecdotal evidence that the decline has been under way for decades.