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22 February 2007
Dugong Tragedy in Moreton Bay – Conservation
Targets Needed
The Australian Marine Conservation Society is saddened today
to hear that another dugong has died from boat strike in the
Moreton Bay Marine Park. The remains of a large, tagged, male
dugong were discovered near Macleay Island, adjacent to Stradbroke
Island in Moreton Bay.
Craig Bohm, spokesperson for the Australian Marine Conservation
Society, said “Dugongs are a threatened species and
it is time we do more to secure their future – particularly
in our marine parks.”
“We urgently need an independent scientific committee
to set conservation targets for Moreton Bay Marine Park. These
targets should help us protect dugongs as well as the seagrass
meadows and other habitats they depend on for their survival,”
Bohm continued.
“The Australian Marine Conservation Society also acknowledges
the commercial ferry operator who reported the strike. This
was a responsible act and one which demonstrates a commitment
to be part of the solution,” Bohm said.
Dugongs are listed as vulnerable to extinction in Queensland
by the Nature Conservation (wildlife) Regulation (1994) and
internationally vulnerable to extinction by the World Conservation
Union (IUCN) (2003).
“The Australian Marine Conservation Society understands
that 16 dugongs die on average in Moreton Bay Marine Park
each year. This is certainly unsustainable and for most Queenslanders
unacceptable” Bohm said.
“During 2007, Moreton Bay Marine Park is under review
by the Queensland Government. This is our chance to let the
Queensland Government know that we want conservation targets
set for the park to secure a better future for our dugongs
and other precious wildlife,” Bohm concluded.
Members of the public can obtain a copy of our Dugongs of
Moreton Bay Fact Sheet by visiting http://www.marineconservation.org.au/
and following the links to Fact Sheets
For more Information contact: Craig Bohm, Australian Marine
Conservation Society
Ph: 07 3393 5811 or 0427 133 481 email: craigbohm@amcs.org.au
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