NESP 4.2: Assessing dugong distribution and abundance in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria

Support

Aboriginal ranger groups, Traditional Owners of the southern Gulf of Carpentaria (sGoC), scientists, Queensland, Northern Territory and Commonwealth government representatives will co-design and implement a program that enables a contemporary cross-border understanding of dugong populations and other marine megafauna. The dugong program comprises three parts: 1) Dugong population genetics, 2) a standardised aerial survey in the sGoC, and 3) Indigenous-led drone surveys of marine megafauna hotspots. The collaborative approach will enable contemporary data on abundance, distribution and genetic population structuring to inform local and regional conservation management actions. In combination with other NESP investments in Qld and WA, this program will have applied consistent approaches to dugong population assessment across three states. This program directly responds to the national priorities of conserving, protecting and sustainably managing biodiversity through research and information management.

01 Feb 2024 - 11 Dec 2026

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