Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay
Context:
The Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu, has recently received global acclaim at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 for its successful community-led conservation model.
About the Dugong
Ecological Significance:
Dugongs (sea cows) are largest herbivorous marine mammals in the world thriving primarily on seagrass beds, a major carbon sinks of the oceans.
Conserving dugongs will help to protect and improve seagrass beds and sequestering more atmospheric carbon.
They are considered a keystone species and are often called "farmers of the sea."
It is also an indicator species. The health of the Dugong population reflects the overall health of the coastal marine ecosystem.
Distribution in India:
The Dugong is found in the shallow coastal waters of
Palk Bay
Gulf of Mannar
Gulf of Kutch
Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Threats:
Seagrass habitat loss due to coastal development and pollution
Accidental entanglement and drowning in fishing nets.
Protected Status:
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
Protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (highest level of legal protection)
Listed in Appendix I of CITES which bans the international trade of the species or its parts.
Co-management model:
The success of the Palk Bay Dugong Conservation Reserve lies in its shift from a purely enforcement-based approach to a co-management model.
By involving local fishing communities as primary stakeholders, the initiative addresses the main threat that is accidental entanglement.
Instead of simply penalizing fishers, the project provides them with livelihood support and alternative, sustainable fishing gear to reduce bycatch.
This demonstrates that long-term conservation success is more likely when it is integrated with the socio-economic well-being of the local population.