Dugong

Scientific name: Dugong dugon
Size: Up to 10 ft (3 m) in length, ~420 kg weight
Lifespan: Up to 70 years
Reproductive cycle: Sexual maturity at 9‑10 years; calving interval 3‑5 years
Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN), Appendix I CITES, Schedule I Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Distribution in India: Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar‑Palk Bay, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Habitat: Shallow (<10 m), warm coastal waters; dependent on seagrass meadows
Seagrass diversity in India: >13 species in Gulf of Mannar & Palk Bay; limited in Lakshadweep, Kachchh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of MoEFCC has recommended a major redesign of the proposed International Dugong Conservation Centre at Manora, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
The site falls within Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)‑III (No Development Zone) and overlaps CRZ‑I areas that contain critical mangroves and seagrass meadows.
Seagrass ecosystems act as carbon sinks, stabilize the seabed, support fisheries, and provide the sole food source for dugongs.

Dugongs are indicator species for the health of seagrass habitats; their decline signals broader marine ecosystem degradation.
Protecting dugongs aligns with India’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and CITES.
The redesign of the conservation centre must comply with CRZ regulations, the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019, and the National Coastal Zone Management Plan.
Effective conservation requires integrated management of mangroves, seagrass, and fisheries, linking biodiversity with livelihoods.

Article 48A of the Constitution: Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife.
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 – Schedule I protection for dugong.
CITES Appendix I – Prohibits international trade of dugongs and their products.
Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019 – Governs permissible activities in CRZ‑I and CRZ‑III zones.

Habitat protection: Designate seagrass meadows as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Community involvement: Engage local fishers in monitoring and sustainable fishing practices.
Research & monitoring: Regular population surveys, genetic studies, and health assessments.
Policy integration: Align dugong conservation with the National Biodiversity Action Plan and Blue Economy initiatives.

References