Mortality and stranding rates have dramatically increased in recent years. A recent study reported 72 deaths in 1999. Strandings have increased by 30 per cent during 2000. A further increase in mortalities is expected in coming months. Dugongs quickly become poisoned when they consume algae-covered seagrass.
Seagrass dies off without the presence of sunlight.
Threats to dugong populations must be minimised and governments must implement more effective protective strategies. As dugongs continue to be found dead and injured inside Dugong Protection Zones along the Queensland coastline, it seems apparent that the protection zones are not adequate. Stricter regulations concerning fishers' use of nets need to be implemented. The issuing of permits for indigenous people to hunt dugong for cultural reasons needs to be reconsidered. Fishers argue that dugongs are not endangered, despite the listing of dugongs as endangered under the Nature Conservation Act.