R E S E A R C H P U B L I C AT I O N N O . 8 6

A Dugong Research Strategy for the Torres Strait, Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and south-east Queensland 2006 - 2011

Amanda Hodgson

R E S E A R C H P U B L I C AT I N N O . 8 6

A Dugong Research Strategy for the Torres Strait, Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and south-east Queensland 2006 - 2011

AMANDA HODGSON
School of Tropical Environment Studies and Geography James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia 4811

PO Box 1379 Townsville QLD 4810 Telephone: (07) 4750 0700 Fax: (07) 4772 6093 Email: info@gbrmpa.gov.au www.gbrmpa.gov.au

© Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 2007 Published by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

ISSN 1447 1035 (online) ISBN 978-1-876945-56-5 (web)
This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without the prior written permission of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to Manager, Species Conservation Unit, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, PO Box 1379, Townsville Qld 4810, species@gbrmpa.gov.au

National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication data:
Hodgson, Amanda (Amanda Jane), 1976- . A dugong research strategy for the Torres Strait, Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and South-east Queensland, 2006-2011.

Bibliography. ISBN 978-1-876945-56-5 (web). 1. Dugongs - Queensland - Torres Strait - Research. 2. Dugongs - Queensland - Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area - Research. I. Title. (Series : Research publication (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority : Online) ; 86).

599.5591943

Comments on the document are welcome and should be addressed to:

2-68 Flinders Street PO Box 1379 TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810 Australia Attention: Manager, Species Conservation Further information is available from: The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 2-68 Flinders Street PO Box 1379 TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810 Australia Phone: (07) 4750 0700 Fax: (07) 4772 6093 Email: info@gbrmpa.gov.au www.gbrmpa.gov.au

CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS....................................................................................ii PREAMBLE........................................................................................................ 1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................ 2 REVIEW AND DEVELOPMENT OF AN UPDATED DUGONG RESEARCH STRATEGY ........................................................................................................ 4 REFERENCES................................................................................................. 14 APPENDICES .................................................................................................. 18 TABLES
Table 1. Summary of the proposed projects in the Dugong Research Strategy for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and Hervey Bay (Oliver & Berkelmans 1999) and a review of their current status.................................................................................................... 5 Table 2. The Dugong Research Strategy for the Torres Strait, Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and south-east Queensland proposed projects for 2006 – 2011...................... 12

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I appreciate the valuable comments on drafts of this Research Strategy provided by Dr Kirstin Dobbs, Sarah Salmon, Stephanie Lemm, Vimoksalehi Lukoschek and James Sheppard (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority) and Professor Helene Marsh (James Cook University).

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PREAMBLE
The Dugong Research Strategy for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and Hervey Bay (Oliver & Berkelmans 1999) arose in response to a request by senior officers of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (QDPIF), on 22 August 1997. This request was for a report on proposals for monitoring trends in dugong populations and habitats, and to propose performance standards and priority data needs. A workshop was convened by the GBRMPA (Dr Jamie Oliver) on 30 October 1997 to scope and prioritise research and management projects. It was attended by representatives from James Cook University (JCU), QDPIF, GBRMPA, QPWS, Indigenous interests, conservation groups, commercial fishing interests and the Australian Defence Force. Delegates at the workshop developed scoping papers outlining proposed research projects, which were then scored according to their relative importance. The scoping papers were reviewed by a focus group, categorised into topics of research, and ranked within each topic according to the priority of each project. The proposed projects then formed the Dugong Research Strategy for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and Hervey Bay (hereafter referred to as the Dugong Research Strategy). On 30 May 1999 the Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Council 1 accepted the Dugong Research Strategy as a guiding document for setting priorities, allocating funding, and assessing performance of dugong recovery and conservation actions in the Great Barrier Reef and Hervey Bay Regions. The Dugong Research Strategy was considered a living document, as it was recognised that new or altered research ideas and opportunities would develop as a result of the dynamic nature of research and the changing social and political environment that governs the management of dugongs. The document was reviewed by the GBRMPA in June 2003, at which time four of the 23 proposed projects were completed, 11 were underway, and eight were yet to begin. The timeframe of the first Dugong Research Strategy was five years, at the end of which the Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Council requested a review be conducted. Thus the objectives of the current document are to: • Review the status of the proposed projects in the first Dugong Research Strategy; • Present new research needs to formulate an updated Dugong Research Strategy; and • Extend the scope of proposed projects to include the Torres Strait and south-east Queensland. As with the first Dugong Research Strategy, the expected users of this second Dugong Research Strategy are: • Researchers wishing to develop relevant project proposals for funding; and • Management/funding agencies that need to be aware of major research priorities relevant to the conservation of dugongs in eastern Australia. The geographical scope of this second Dugong Research Strategy extends beyond the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) to include south-east Queensland and the Torres Strait. These areas lie outside the jurisdiction of the GBRMPA and, as such, some of the proposed research projects are not directly relevant to the Authority. However, it is known that dugongs move between the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA) and these regions, thus all research projects proposed for Queensland’s east coast and the Torres Strait have been included in this document for completeness.
The Great Barrier Reef Ministerial Council is made up of the Ministers for the Environment and for Tourism from each of the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments.
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INTRODUCTION
Under the World Heritage Convention (WHC), Australia must protect the values for which the Great Barrier Reef was nominated as a World Heritage Area, one of which is the significant populations of dugongs (Dugong dugon) which occur there (Anon 1981). According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, dugongs are considered “vulnerable to extinction” internationally, based on an inferred significant population reduction (IUCN 2003). This is supported by Marsh et al.(2002) who indicate that dugong numbers have declined throughout their range. Furthermore, the future protection of high quality habitat for dugongs is doubtful in most countries where dugongs occur, as a result of high population growth and associated infrastructure and development (Marsh et al. 2002). It is likely that Australia will provide the last stronghold for dugongs, as it is the only developed country within the range of this species, and has the most extensive dugong seagrass habitat at low risk from coastal development (Marsh et al. 1999b; Marsh et al. 2002). A significant portion of Australia’s dugong population occurs within Queensland, in particular the Torres Strait, the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA), and south-east Queensland. Considerable research has been conducted to monitor dugong distribution and abundance in Queensland. Dedicated dugong aerial surveys have shown that dugong numbers have fluctuated within the GBRWHA. For example, aerial surveys conducted over the urban southern Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) in 1986/87 (Marsh et al. 1990), 1992 (Marsh et al. 1994), and 1994 (Marsh et al. 1996), indicated that dugong numbers decreased by approximately 50 percent over the eight year period. Moreover, in some areas this decline was as high as 80 percent (Marsh et al. 1996). The survey conducted in this region in 1999 showed that dugong numbers had returned to 1986/87 levels (Marsh & Lawler 2001b). The increase between 1994 and 1999 could not be explained by natural increase in the absence of immigration, rather it is indicative of the movement of dugongs over a large spatial scale in response to changes in seagrass availability (Marsh & Lawler 2001b). Results of the most recent survey conducted for the urban coast of Queensland in November 2005 suggest that dugong numbers are now stable at the scale of the entire urban coast, although populations fluctuate at the level of individual bays, probably largely due to natural changes in seagrass habitats (Marsh et al. in prep.) Dugong numbers appear to have declined substantially along the urban southern GBRMP and Hervey Bay region since the 1960s. Marsh et al. (2005) analysed dugong bycatch records from the Queensland Shark Safety Program (QSSP) where shark nets are set at popular beaches for bather protection. A substantial decrease of dugong bycatch in these nets, to an estimated 3.1 percent of the initial catch rates, indicates a significant decrease in dugong numbers on the urban coast of Queensland since the 1960’s (Marsh et al. 2005). There are many possible reasons for this large decline. As herbivores feeding almost exclusively on seagrass, dugongs rely on a food source which is very sensitive to human impact (Marsh et al. 1999a) and severe weather events. Clearing of inland and coastal vegetation has caused erosion and increased sedimentation during floods, resulting in seagrass die-off (Heinsohn et al. 1977). Other impacts on seagrass include direct disturbance from dredging and trawling, as well as pollution from agriculture and sewage (Marsh et al. 1999a). Dugong populations have also declined as a result of direct, incidental or indirect takes. Recent aerial surveys and analysis of hunting records, indicate that the current rate of hunting in Torres Strait and the northern Great Barrier reef is far too high to be sustainable (Heinsohn et al. 2004; Marsh et al. 2004). Incidental take includes dugongs caught in commercial gill and mesh nets, as well as shark nets set for bather protection. Although this take has not been quantified, commercial set nets are known to have caught significant numbers of dugongs (Marsh et al. 1999a). A two-tiered system of Dugong Protection Areas (DPAs) was implemented in 1997 and mirrored in 2004 as

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Species Conservation (Dugong Protection) Special Management Areas under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1993, to reduce dugong bycatch mortalities in areas that are most heavily used by dugongs. This management intervention has been greatly enhanced by the huge expansion of ‘no-take areas’ resulting from the Representative Areas Program. In recent years, the number of dugong deaths attributed to boat strikes has increased substantially, accounting for 64 percent of human caused mortalities reported along the urban coast in 2002 (Limpus et al. 2003). The most recent stranding data for the year 2005 found that of the cases where cause of death could be determined, the majority of cases (84.6 percent) were linked to human activities including boat strike (n=2 confirmed, n=2 unconfirmed), the QDPIF Shark Safety Program (n=1), netting (n=4), hunting (n=1) and unconfirmed human activity (n=1) (Greenland & Limpus 2006). Noise pollution is also a potential threat to dugongs, including noise from boat traffic, as well as other activities such as seismic surveys and Defence activities. In managing human impacts on the dugong population in eastern Queensland and the Torres Strait, management agencies are limited by the paucity of relevant scientific information needed to minimise the threats outlined above. The purpose of this updated Dugong Research Strategy is to: (a) ensure that future management decisions can be made on the basis of better scientific information; (b) assess the effectiveness of current management strategies; and (c) ensure that high quality dugong habitats are maintained within Torres Strait, the GBRWHA and south-east Queensland to allow dugong numbers to recover.

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REVIEW AND DEVELOPMENT OF AN UPDATED DUGONG RESEARCH STRATEGY
A detailed outline of the development process for the first Dugong Research Strategy is provided in Oliver and Berkelmans (1999). The review process for this updated strategy began by seeking the participation of all key stakeholders via email. This involved contacting representatives from: (a) Research groups (James Cook University, CRC Reef Research Centre, University of Queensland, and CRC Torres Strait); (b) Government agencies (GBRMPA, Queensland Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Environment and Heritage, and Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries); (c) Native title representative bodies (Torres Strait Regional Authority, Cape York Land Council, North Queensland Land Council, Central Queensland Land Council, and Girringun Aboriginal Corporation); (d) Natural Resource Management Boards (Cape York, Far North Queensland, Burdekin Dry Tropics, Fitzroy Basin, Mackay/Whitsundays, and Burnett Mary); (e) Conservation groups (North Queensland Conservation Council) (f) Industry (Queensland Seafood Industry Association); and (g) Advisory Committee (GBRMPA’s Conservation Reef Advisory Committee) All stakeholders were supplied with a Review Form comprising a table that collated the project proposals of the first Research Strategy and the GBRMPA’s 2003 review. Contributors were asked to provide feedback on the status of the projects and any related publications. The outcome of this review highlights the status of each project proposed (Table 1). Stakeholders were also invited to develop new scoping papers that would provide an overview of how research needs could be synthesised into a research project. These new project proposals have been combined with the incomplete projects from the first Dugong Research Strategy to formulate this second Dugong Research Strategy (Table 2). Scoping papers for each project are provided in Appendix 1. The first Dugong Research Strategy assigned priority levels to all projects according to their feasibility, relevance, affordability, and duration. During the review, contributors were also asked to reassess the priority of the original projects. However, this priority assessment was difficult given the wide scope of the proposals and research needs, and was considered unnecessary for the current review. Moreover, it seemed likely that each government agency, research provider and research organisation would prioritise actions to meet their needs. Thus, these priority categories have been omitted from this updated Dugong Research Strategy. Instead, key research questions from the Research Needs for Protection and Management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMPA 2005), have been identified and linked to that project, along with its associated Priority and Urgency categories. These are included with the scoping papers in Appendix 1.

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Table 1. Summary of the proposed projects in the Dugong Research Strategy for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and Hervey Bay (Oliver & Berkelmans 1999) and a review of their current status. [Shaded projects are those that are partially completed or yet to begin].
Project Abbreviated Funding Original No. Title Needed Comments Topic 1: Maintaining or enhancing dugong numbers 1 Long-term trends $160 000 over Undertaken routinely every five in dugong 2 years, or years between Cape York and $224 000 over Hervey Bay, funded by the Great numbers 3 years Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Current Status Resulting Publications GBRMPA Research Publication 70 (Marsh & Lawler 2001b) and 77 (Marsh & Lawler 2001a) EPA report (Lawler 2001) Scientific publication: Marsh et al. 2004

2

Productivity of key seagrass species

$690 300 over 4 years

3

Negotiated protocol for the use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge

$295 000 over 1 year

Project should be Great Barrier Reef-wide. Partially addressed in Hopevale area through ARCSPIRT/PEW Fellowship project commenced in 1999. Part of Sea Forum Regional Agreement process.

GBRMPA funded and published surveys of the southern and northern Great Barrier Reef in 1999 and 2000, respectively. QPWS funded aerial surveys of dugong populations in the Hervey Bay and Moreton Bay regions. MTSRF/DEH/CRC Reef funded aerial surveys of dugongs in the urban southern GBR, Hervey Bay, Moreton Bay and a reference block in the Torres Strait in 2005. Aerial surveys to occur in November 2006 of the remote northern GBR, Torres Strait and a reference block in Hervey Bay. Refinement of survey design to more adequately address movement issue is required. This has now happened. Ongoing population estimates are needed for discussions on hunting and other anthropogenic mortality. Population dynamics of dugongs in Moreton Bay and the Great Sandy Marine Park is being conducted by Janet Lanyon Partially completed within a JCU PhD project (funded under CRC Reef Task C1.15) reviewing seagrass and sediment nutrient status in the central GBR region. Partially completed QDPIF survey of seagrass nutrient profiles and productivity in the Torres Strait. Partly underway with development of Traditional Owner Information System (TOIS) by the GBRMPA. Linkage with the North Australia Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA) Turtle and Dugong Management Strategy.

Completed PhD project (Mellors 2003)

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Project No. 4

Abbreviated Title Improving estimates of absolute abundance Research for the management of seagrass resources

Funding Needed $160 000 over 2-3 years

Original Comments Commenced as a component of ACR SPIRT/PEW Fellowship project in 1999.

Current Status Completed with final reports submitted to the GBRMPA and Australian Fisheries Management Authority and published in a peer reviewed journal.

Resulting Publications AFMA Report (Pollock et al. 2004) Journal article (Pollock et al. 2006)

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$1.4 million over 4 years

Amalgamation of four projects originally proposed. Baseline surveys of seagrass beds in Mackay area DPAs to commence in 1999.

A baseline mapping study of seagrass distribution in all Zone A Dugong Protection Areas (DPAs) was completed under GBRMPA funding. A GBRMPA report and journal article has been published in regard to Upstart, Newry/Sand, Ince/Llewellyn Bays, and Clairview DPAs. A report on “Post-flood monitoring of seagrasses in Hervey Bay-Great Sandy Strait, 1999” has been published by QDPIF. A peer-reviewed paper has been published: Flood related loss and recovery of intertidal seagrass meadows in southern Queensland, Australia Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2004 Analysis of seagrass pasture identified from tracking study to be important dugong habitat currently being peerreviewed. Further work may be initiated according to recommendations in the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan.

GBRMPA Research Publication 72 (Coles et al. 2001) Journal article (Coles et al. 2000) QDPI report (McKenzie et al. 2000) Peer-reviewed paper: Campbell & McKenzie (2004) Peer-reviewed paper: Sheppard et al. (In Review)

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Project No. 6

Abbreviated Title Dugong strandings: causes of mortality

Funding Needed $22 000 per year

Original Comments Project should be re-written. Project must be done in association with population biologist.

Current Status GBRMPA published a technical manual for the salvage and necropsy of dugongs. GBRMPA funded a JCU masters project to identify stomach contents obtained from dugong carcasses in the TownsvilleHinchinbrook Region, published both on the GBRMPA website and in a peer reviewed journal. Analysis of stomach contents from dugong carcasses recovered from the Torres Strait published in a journal. CRC Reef provided funding to review and refine the stranding program in the GBRWHA. This project is now ongoing as part of the revised Day-toDay Management Unit Stranding Program, prioritised on key species, threats and areas. Research into the cause of death of dugong and other marine mammals in Moreton Bay is being conducted by Kathy Townsend. Samples are collected as part of the routine dugong necropsy procedures in Queensland. The study was conducted by a JCU PhD student under an ARC SPIRT grant. CRC Reef funded PhD project underway at JCU to analyse dugong population genetic structure.

Resulting Publications GBRMPA Research Publication 64 (Eros et al. 2000) – updated & reprinted 2006. GBRMPA web report (Lawler & Andre 2001) Journal article (Andre et al. 2004) QPWS Annual Stranding and Mortality Reports (Limpus et al. 2003) Kwan (2004)

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Using DNA sequencing and microsatellites to study dugong phylogeography

$85 000 over 2 years or $120 000 over 3 years

Subject of ARC SPIRT application for funding for commencement in 2000.

Completed PhD project (McDonald 2006). Other genetic analyses are ongoing at University of Queensland and James Cook University, e.g. PhD project lead by Adrian McMahon at JCU GBRMPA Research Publication 67 (Preen 2001) Completed PhD project (Hodgson 2005). Papers are pending, visual footage available from Amanda Hodgson, JCU. Peer-reviewed paper:

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Effect of boat traffic

$5000 over 1 year

Issue is very important but this project unlikely to provide useful results as scoped. A better project needs to be developed to address this topic.

GBRMPA funded and published a comprehensive study of dugongs and other marine animals in relation to vessel use in the Hinchinbrook Region. The behavioural responses of dugongs to boats were examined in a JCU PhD project (funded under CRC Reef Task C1.4.3.1S). JCU Honours project investigated boat traffic across important dugong habitat in Hervey Bay identified from satellite tracking study.

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Project No. 9

Abbreviated Title Variation in dugong fecundity

Funding Needed $5000 over 6 months

Original Comments Potentially important study but not high relevance as presently written. Needs to be scoped to incorporate the distribution and resource use by calves.

Current Status

Information on the effects of habitat quality (seagrass availability) on dugong fecundity was obtained in a JCU PhD project on the Indigenous dugong fishery in the Torres Strait. This proposal still requires a desktop study of aerial survey data. Partially completed in a project to determine historical numbers of dugongs according to dugong catch rates in the Queensland Shark Safety Program. Published by the GBRMPA and in a peer reviewed journal. Similar analysis of data from commercial netters is needed to complete the project. PhD project on post-European settlement of the GBRMPA completed: includes section on historical dugong population numbers. Completed by the GBRMPA in collaboration with QPWS and other organisations. Published in a special edition of the Marine Pollution Bulletin journal, which is a compilation of papers presented at the Catchment to Reef: Water Quality Issues in The Great Barrier Reef Region hosted by the GBRMPA and CRC Reef. Exposure and sensitivity of marine turtles and dugongs to dioxins – a risk assessment in near shore marine environments in Queensland is being conducted by Caroline Gaus in Moreton Bay Marine Park.

Resulting Publications Maitland et al. 2006 Completed PhD project (Kwan 2002)

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Improving the knowledge of dugong distribution in the GBRWHA through analysis of historic catch and effort information Organo-chlorine and heavy metal pollutant concentrations

$20 000 over 1 year

Good project, but not directly relevant to management.

GBRMPA Research Publication 70 (Marsh et al. 2001) Journal article (Marsh et al. 2005) Completed PhD project Daley 2005.

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In-house

ARC SPIRT project. Useful with respect to water quality issues and baseline setting. However, pollutant burdens are hard to interpret in a management framework, as levels dangerous to dugong health are unknown.

Journal article (Haynes et al. 2005) Conference proceedings (Haynes & Schaffelke 2004) Gaus et al. 2001a,b Gaus et al. 2005

Topic 2: Minimising the impacts of management decisions on industry and other affected groups 12 Enhancement of $150 000 over Need to liaise with fishers, QSIA, Yet to begin. dugong recovery 3 years with and QDPIF. Project needs to be through the FRDC grant species specific.

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Project No.

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Abbreviated Title development of alternative methods to gill netting Local information from commercial fishers and the socio-economic impacts of the implementation of DPAs Factors influencing the mortality of dugongs in shark nets

Funding Needed

Original Comments

Current Status

Resulting Publications

$30 000

$5000 over 6 months

Amalgamation of two projects originally proposed. Proposed for funding in 1999-00. Note: Linked to CRC Task 2.1.17 examining the socio-economic impact of representative areas on commercial fishing communities. Project commenced 1999

Superseded by the Representatives Areas Program.

GBRMPA funded this as part of a desktop study investigating dugong population decline according to Queensland Shark Control Program records of dugong catches. Published by GBRMPA and in a peer reviewed journal.

GBRMPA Research Publication 70 (Marsh et al. 2001) Journal article (Marsh et al. 2005)

Topic 3: Development and implementation of cooperative management arrangements $474 350 over Addressed as part of ongoing 15 Investigate and 3 years extension program in GBRMPA, implement assisted in Hopevale area by ARD models and SPIRT/Pew Fellowship project mechanisms for commenced in 1999. cooperative planning of resource management between state agencies and Traditional Owners 16 Developing $300 000 over Revision of project previously sustainable 3 years proposed. community-based management

Assisted in Hopevale area by ARC SPIRT/Pew Fellowship JCU PhD project commenced in 1999 and the Sea Forum Regional Agreement process. Superseded by the development of the Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements (TUMRAs), implemented by the GBRMPA, as a management tool.

PhD thesis, Nursey-Bray (2006)

Superseded by the development of the Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements (TUMRAs), implemented by the GBRMPA, as a management tool. CRC Torres Strait funded PhD project underway: An

PhD thesis, James Cook University, by Jillian Grayson pending Kwan et al. (2006)

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Project No.

Abbreviated Title

Funding Needed

Original Comments

Current Status information base for a sustainable traditional fishery of green turtles and dugongs in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) and Inner Islands of Torres Strait

Resulting Publications

Topic 4: Assessing the effectiveness of current dugong protection measures 17 Are there $160 000 over Low priority as full project but high seasonal changes 2 years, or priority as a desktop study. in dugong $5000 as a distribution in the desktop GBR? 18 The spatial extent Unknown – 1 High priority for one DPA and intensity of year (Shoalwater). Also relevant to turtle the acoustic conservation in this area. Being impact of funded by the Department of underwater Defence. explosions in Shoalwater Bay 19 Response of $40 000 over 1 High priority for one DPA dugongs to or 2 years (Shoalwater). Also relevant to turtle underwater conservation in this area. explosions 20 Impact of changes $110 000 over Important project but will take in net fishery 2 years several years to build a partnership operations on with commercial fishers to provide dugong recovery necessary information. 21 Monitoring $7000 + Project to commenced in 1999-2000, compliance and $3000 per year funded by GBRMPA. vessel use in the ongoing Hinchinbrook DPA 22 Fidelity of $90 000 per Note existing similar research at dugongs to DPAs year for 2 Shoalwater Bay and Hinchinbrook. and their fine years High priority subject to justification scale movements after analysis of existing data.

Completed at JCU as a desktop study, funded by GBRMPA and published on the GBRMPA website.

GBRMPA web report (Marsh & Penrose 2001)

The Defence department, Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), funded and published a project measuring the propagation of noise and pressure waves from underwater blasts.

DSTO report (Box et al. 2000)

Yet to begin

Superseded by the Representatives Areas Program.

GBRMPA obtained Natural Heritage Trust funds to carry out this survey. An inter-agency working group is overseeing the study.

Completed honours project (Groom 2003)

Dugongs were satellite tracked by a JCU PhD student (Funded under CRC Reef Task C1.4.3.2S) to determine their fine scale habitat use. A JCU PhD student has completed a study on dugong

PhD thesis, James Cook University, by James Sheppard pending Peer-reviewed paper:

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Project No.

Abbreviated Title within them

Funding Needed

Original Comments

Current Status genetics. JCU PhD student is working on identiftying individuals and their age through genetic samples. Foraging ecology of dugongs in the Great Sandy Marine Park is being conducted by James Sheppard.

Resulting Publications Sheppard et al. 2006 PhD thesis, James Cook University, by Adrian McMahon pending

Topic 5: Not directly relevant to any topic 23 Historical $5-10 000 exploitation over 6 months

Historical information of general interest, but of little use in contemporary management of dugongs.

PhD project on post-European settlement of the GBRMPA completed: includes section on historical dugong population numbers. The auditory brainstem response of one captive dugong at Sea World in Queensland was tested by Dr Darlene Ketten funded by the Department of Defence. Further tests are needed on this animal and others to improve the sample size for these experiments. A manipulative study to determine pressure thresholds of the middle ear using dugong heads taken from fresh carcasses is still to be completed. 22 dugongs were satellite tracked by a JCU PhD student (Funded under CRC Reef Task C1.4.3.2S) to determine their fine scale habitat use in the Great Sandy Marine Park.

Completed PhD project Daley 2005

24

Auditory characteristics of the dugong ear

~$150 000

Journal article pending

25

Satellite tracking of dugongs

$15 000

PhD thesis by James Sheppard pending Peer-reviewed paper: Sheppard et al. 2006

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Table 2. The Dugong Research Strategy for the Torres Strait, Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and south-east Queensland proposed projects for 2006 – 2011.
Project Abbreviated Title Funding No. Needed Topic 1: Maintaining or enhancing dugong numbers 1 Productivity of key seagrass > $100 000 species over 3 years 2 Negotiated protocol for the use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge Variation in dugong fecundity > $100 00 over 2 years Project Summary

3

$5000 $20 000 over 1 year $20 000 over 1 year

4

5

6

7

Analyse data from the QPWS stranding database to examine spatial and temporal variation in dugong strandings. 8 Conduct aerial surveys across the entire dugong range of north-eastern Australia, to account for large-scale dugong movements and to facilitate an assessment of the impact of the Indigenous dugong fishery. 9 Important dugong mating $20 000 Survey traditional owners to determine local areas $50 000 over 2 knowledge of areas regularly used for mating by years dugongs. 10 The risk of boat strike $20 000 Examine the effects of boat type and speed, and $50 000 over 1 water depth and turbidity, on the risk of boat year strikes to dugongs using controlled experiments Topic 2: Minimising the impacts of management decisions on industry and other affected groups 11 Reduction of threats of > $100 000 The development of bycatch mitigation devices, commercial fishing nets over 3 years and alternative fishing methods, that are economically viable and that reduce dugong entanglements in gill nets. 12 Aerial monitoring of > $50 000 over Determine short-term (minutes-hours-days) responses of dugongs to 1 year responses by dugongs to detonations conducted in underwater explosions at the intertidal zone of Triangular Island during Triangular Island, in the Department of Defence training exercises. Shoalwater By Defence Training Area 13 Assessment of ‘pingers’ or > $100 000 Assess the effectiveness of pingers and/or develop other deterrent devices over 2 years alternative deterrent devices to reduce dugong entanglements in commercial fishing gear.

Improving the knowledge of dugong distribution through analysis of historic catch information Community knowledge of local dugong populations and movements Development of a population model for dugongs in the GBR, Torres Strait, Great Sandy Marine Park and Moreton Bay Marine Park Detailed analysis of dugong live strandings and carcasses Large-scale aerial surveys of dugongs

Monitoring of the productivity of seagrass in important dugong habitat areas across seasons and years. Develop a protocol for gathering, adapting and/or applying Indigenous knowledge into dugong management, with a focus on employing local Indigenous facilitators. A desktop study of aerial survey calf counts to determine the spatial and temporal variation in calving rates, and to generate a hypothesis to explain these variations. Analysis of the catch data from commercial gill nets and evaluation of this data as an indicator of dugong distribution. Collate community knowledge of dugong populations and movements by surveying representative members of the community. Design and validate a population model. Supply an operational modelling system that can be used by management agency staff.

$20 000 $50 000 over 1 year $150 000 over 3 years

$5000 $20 000 over 1 year > $100 000 for an ongoing project

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Project No. 14

Funding Project Summary Needed Management of dugong $20 000Determine an effective management strategy to watching tourism 50 000 over 2 address commercial dugong watching. years Topic 3: Assessing the effectiveness of current dugong protection measures 15 Assessment of the $60 000 over 3 Consultation with the local community to effectiveness of voluntary years determine the extent of compliance with transit transit lanes in the lanes and obtain recommendations for changes. Hinchinbrook Area and the statutory “go slow” areas in Moreton Bay Marine Park and Great Sandy Marine Park. 16 Fine-scale habitat use by > $100 000 Track dugong movements using GPS satellite tags dugongs in areas of high over 3 years in habitats with high human use, to assess the human use influence of human activities on these movements. 17 Economics of Indigenous > $100 000 Investigation of the economics of the Indigenous hunting and its management over 3 years harvest of turtles and dugongs in remote areas and the economic costs and benefits of management options. 18 Culturally and ecologically > $100 000 Options for the management of Indigenous hunting sustainable Indigenous over 3 years of dugongs and turtles in Torres Strait and the hunting Northern Peninsular Area on the basis of community acceptance, cultural and ecological sustainability and cost. Topic 4: Information on dugong biology which will assist in implementing all management actions to maintain high quality habitats 19 Auditory characteristics of > $100 000 Further tests of auditory brainstem response on the dugong ear over 1 year available captive dugongs to determine auditory capabilities, together with a manipulative study to determine pressure thresholds of the middle ear. The latter would be conducted using dugong heads taken from fresh carcasses. 20 Seasonal changes in dugong > $100 000 Determine regional, seasonal and individual diet over 3 years differences in dugong diets using a range of methods to analyse chemical signatures in hair and faeces. 21 Spatial differences in > $100 000 Investigate the mating systems of dugongs in mating behaviour over 2-3 years various locations through behavioural observations and genetic sampling techniques. 22 Dugong genetics: insights > $100 000 Gather genetic samples of live dugongs to examine into social structure and over 3 years the sex, identity and relatedness of individuals, and habitat use infer social structure and fine-scale habitat use.

Abbreviated Title

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REFERENCES
Andre, J., Gyuris, E. and Lawler, I. R. 2004, 'Comparison of the diets of sympatric dugongs and green turtles on the Orman Reefs, Torres Strait, Australia', Wildlife Research, vol. 32, pp. 53-62. Anon. 1981, 'Nomination of the Great Barrier Reef by the Commonwealth of Australia for Inclusion in the World Heritage List', Report to the World Heritage Committee, UNESCO, pp. 14. Box, P., Marian, F. and Wiese, D. 2000, 'Shoalwater Bay Defence training area dugong research program: Underwater blast measurements, Report DSTO-TR-1024', Defence Science and Technology Organisation, Department of Defence, Canberra, Australia. Campbell, S.J. and McKenzie, L.J. 2004, 'Flood related loss and recovery of intertidal seagrass meadows in southern Queensland, Australia', Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, vol. 60, pp. 477-490. Coles, R. G., Lee Long, W. J., McKenzie, L. J. and Roder, C. A. 2001, 'Seagrass and marine resources in the Dugong Protection Areas of Upstart Bay, Newry Region and Sand Bay, Llewellyn Bay and Ince Bay and the Clairview Region: April/May 1999 and October 1999', Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Research Publication 72, Townsville, Australia. Coles, R. G., Lee Long, W. J., McKenzie, L. J., Roelofs, A. and De'ath, G. 2000, 'Stratification of seagrasses in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, northeastern Australia, and the implications for management', Societa Italiana di Biologia Marina, vol. 7, pp. 345-348. Daley, B. 2005, 'Changes in the Great Barrier Reef since European settlement'. PhD Thesis. School of Tropical Environment Studies and Geography, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia. Eros, C., Marsh, H., Bonde, R., Beck, C., O'Shea, T., Recchia, C. and Dobbs, K. 2000, 'Procedures for the salvage and necropsy of the dugong (Dugong dugon)'. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Research Publication No. 64, Townsville. Gaus C, Papke O, Blanchard W, Haynes D, Connell D.W, and Muller J.F. 2001a, 'Bioaccumulation and pathways of PCDDs in the lower trophic marine system', Organohalogen Compounds, vol. 52, pp. 95-98. Gaus C, Weber R, Connell D.W, Brunskill G.J, Prange J.A, Papke O, and Muller J.F. 2001b, 'Depositional processes and their source implications from temporal PCDD distributions in Queensland (Australia)', Organohalogen Compounds, vol. 50, pp. 346-349. Gaus, C., Donohue, M. O., Connell, D., Mueller, J., Haynes, C and Paepke, O. 2004, 'POPS in Marine Mammals: Levels and Effects', Organohalogen Compounds, vol. 66, pp. 1559-1565.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 2005, 'Research Needs for Protection and
Management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park 2005', Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville. http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/info_services/science/research_priorities/database/ Greenland, J. A., and Limpus, C. J. 2006, 'Marine wildlife stranding and mortality database annual report 2005', Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland

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Groom, R. A. 2003, 'The efficacy of the voluntary vessel transit lanes in Missionary Bay, Hinchinbrook Island for dugong conservation management', Honours thesis, School of Tropical Environment Studies and Geography, James Cook University, Townsville. Haynes, D., Carter, S., Gaus, C., Muller, J. and Dennison, W. 2005, 'Organochlorine and heavy metal concentrations in blubber and liver tissue collected from Queensland (Australia) dugong (Dugong dugon)', Marine Pollution Bulletin, vol. 51, pp. 361-369. Haynes, D. and Schaffelke, B. 2004, 'Catchment to reef: water quality issues in the Great Barrier Reef Region. CRC Reef Research Centre Technical Report No. 53', CRC Reef Research Centre, Townsville, Australia. Heinsohn, G. E., Wake, J., Marsh, H. and Spain, A. V. 1977, 'The dugong (Dugong dugon (Muller)) in the seagrass system', Aquaculture, vol. 12, pp. 235-248. Heinsohn, R., Lacy, R. C., Lindenmayer, D. B., Marsh, H., Kwan, D. and Lawler, I. R. 2004, 'Unsustainable harvest of dugongs in Torres Strait and Cape York (Australia) waters: two case studies using population viability analysis', Animal Conservation, vol. 7, pp. 417-425. Hodgson, A. J. 2005, 'Dugong behaviour and responses to human influences', PhD thesis, Tropical Environment Studies and Geography, James Cook University, Townsville. IUCN. 2003, '2003 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species'. URL: http://www.redlist.org/ (accessed 15 June 2004). Kwan, D. 2002, 'Towards a sustainable indigenous fishery for dugongs in Torres Strait: a contribution of empirical data and process', PhD thesis, School of Tropical Environment Studies and Geography, James Cook University, Townsville. Kwan, D. 2004, 'Review and refinement of the Queensland marine mammal and turtle stranding and mortality program focussed in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area', Unpublished Report to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville, Qld. pp. 91. Kwan, D., Marsh, H., and Delean, S. 2006, 'Factors influencing the sustainability of customary dugong hunting by a remote indigenous community', Environmental Conservation, vol. 33, pp. 164-171 Lawler, I. R. 2001, 'Distribution and abundance of dugongs and other megafauna in Moreton Bay and Hervey Bay between December 2000 and November 2001', Queensland EPA. Lawler, I. R. and Andre, J. 2001, 'Analysis of stomach contents of dugongs stranded in the central region of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: May - August 2000', Report to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville, Australia. Limpus, C. J., Currie, K. J. and Haines, J. 2003, 'Marine wildlife stranding and mortality database annual report 2002 I. Dugong', Environmental Protection Agency & Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Brisbane, Queensland, pp. 24. Maitland, R.N., Lawler, I.R. and Sheppard J. K. in press, 'Assessing the risk of boat strike on dugongs (Dugong dugon) at Burrum Heads, Queensland, Australia', Pacific Conservation Biology. Marsh, H., Breen, B. and Preen, A. R. 1994, 'The status of dugongs, sea turtles and dolphins in the Great Barrier Reef region, south of Cape Bedford', Unpublished report to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville.

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Marsh, H., Corkeron, P. J., Lawler, I. R., Preen, A. R. and Lanyon, J. 1996, 'The status of the dugong in the southern Great Barrier Reef Marine Park', Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Research Publication No. 41, Townsville, pp. 80. Marsh, H., De'ath, G., Gribble, N. and Lane, B. 2001, 'Shark control records hindcast serious decline in dugong numbers off the urban coast of Queensland', Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville, pp. 22. Marsh, H., De'ath, G., Gribble, N. and Lane, B. 2005, 'Historical marine population estimates: triggers or target for conservation? The dugong case study', Ecological Applications, vol. 15, pp. 481-492. Marsh, H., Eros, C., Corkeron, P. and Breen, B. 1999a, 'A conservation strategy for dugongs: implications of Australian research', Marine and Freshwater Research, vol. 50, pp. 979-990. Marsh, H., Eros, C., Corkeron, P. and Breen, B. 1999b, 'The Dugong, Dugong dugon, in Australia: A Conservation Overview', James Cook University and the Cooperative Research Centre for the Great Barrier Reef, Townsville, pp. 114. Marsh, H., Lawler, I. R., Kwan, D., Delean, S., Pollock, K. and Alldredge, M. 2004, 'Aerial surveys and the potential biological removal techniques indicate that the Torres Strait dugong fishery is unsustainable', Animal Conservation, vol. 7, pp. 435-443. Marsh, H. and Lawler, I. R. 2001a, 'Dugong distribution and abundance in the Northern Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, November 2000', Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Research Publication No. 77, Townsville, pp. 62. Marsh, H. and Lawler, I. R. 2001b, 'Dugong distribution and abundance in the Southern Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Hervey Bay: results of an aerial survey in October - December 1999', Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Research Publication No. 70, Townsville. Marsh, H. and Penrose, H. 2001, 'Seasonal distribution of the dugong in the southern Great Barrier Reef Marine Park', Final report to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville, Australia. Marsh, H., Penrose, H., Eros, C. and Hughes, J. 2002, 'Dugong Status Report and Action Plans for Countries and Territories', UNEP Early Warning and Assessment Report Series, Kenya. Marsh, H., Saalfeld, W. K. and Preen, A. R. 1990, 'The distribution and abundance of dugongs in southern Queensland waters: implications for management', Report to the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Townsville, pp. 33. Marsh, H., Lawler, I., Hodgson, A. and Grech, A. in preparation, Is dugong management in the coastal waters of urban Queensland effective species conservation?, Animal Conservation. McDonald, B. 2006 'Genetic Structure of Dugong Populations throughout Australian Waters: Implications of Gene Flow and Migration for Conservation Strategies', PhD thesis, Tropical Biology James Cook University, Townsville. McKenzie, L. J., Roder, C. A., Roelofs, A. J. and Lee Long, W. J. 2000, 'Post-flood monitoring of seagrass in Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Strait, 1999: implications for dugong, turtle and fisheries management', in Department of Primary Industries Information Series Q100059, Department of Primary Industries, Cairns, Australia.

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Mellors, J. E. 2003, 'Sediment and nutrient dynamics in coastal intertidal seagrass of north eastern tropical Australia', PhD thesis, School of Tropical Environment Studies and Geography, James Cook University. Townsville, Australia. Nursey-Bray, M. 2006, Conflict to Co-Management: Eating Our Words. Towards socially just conservation of green turtles and dugongs in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, PhD Thesis, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, pp. 446. Oliver, J. and Berkelmans, R. 1999, 'A Dugong Research Strategy for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and Hervey Bay', Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Research Report No 58, Townsville. Pollock, K., Marsh, H., Lawler, I. R. and Aldredge, M. W. in press, 'Estimating animal abundance in heterogeneous environments: an application to aerial surveys for dugongs', Journal of Wildlife Management. Pollock, K. H., Marsh, H., Lawler, I. R. and Aldredge, M. W. 2004, 'Improving accuracy of aerial surveys for dugongs', Final Report to Australian Fisheries Management Authority and James Cook University, Canberra, Australia. Preen, A. 2001, 'Dugongs, boats, dolphins and turtles in the Townsville-Cardwell region and recommendations for a boat-traffic management plan for the Hinchinbrook Dugong Protection Area', Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Research Publication No. 67, Townsville. Sheppard, J.K., Preen, A.R., Marsh, H., Lawler, I.R., Whiting, S.D. and Jones, R.E. 2006, Movement heterogeneity of dugongs, Dugong dugon (Muller), over large spatial scales, Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, vol. 334, pp. 64–83. Sheppard, J.K., Marsh, H., and Lawler, I.R. in review, Seagrass as pasture for seacows: landscape-level dugong habitat evaluation, Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science.

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APPENDICES
Appendix 1. Project Scoping Papers

Project No. 1
Title Productivity of key seagrass species of importance to dugongs, at selected locations in Torres Strait, the Great Barrier Reef and south-east Queensland. Objectives 1. Determine the productivity of seagrass species of importance to dugongs, at specific locations (coastal and deepwater); and 2. Monitor seagrass productivity between seasons and years. Relevance Seagrasses are essential food for the dugong. Yet there is relatively little information on the health and distribution of seagrasses within Torres Strait, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park World Heritage Area, Great Sandy Marine Park and/or Moreton Bay Marine Park. There is no information on productivity for most seagrass species, areas and habitat types. This is a major gap in the knowledge base required for effective management. Dugongs, and those fish, turtles and prawns dependent on seagrasses for food, rely on both available area of seagrass and their productivity (plant growth rate), as these determine the total available food and nutrient source. Changing conditions, such as poorer light penetration, could reduce seagrass productivity (leaf and root production and/or nutritional value) and increase the area of seagrass required to support a dugong. Seagrass area may not be affected by some downstream effects but productivity could be. Area alone is not necessarily the best measure of the ability of an area to support the food requirement of dugong and fish/ prawn/ turtle populations. Feasibility The methodologies for measuring productivity of near-shore tropical bladed seagrass species are well established and have been successfully conducted at several locations (Green Island, Cairns Harbour, Low Isles). Methodologies for measuring the productivity of deep-water plants are similar to shallow/near-shore plants however they are currently being modified so as not to compromise safe diving practices. Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate cost > $100 000 Boat time Laboratory Salary Time required 3 years or more, useful results in progress reports. Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What are the trends in the condition of major habitat types in the GBRMP and what human and natural factors influence those trends? Priority - Critical Urgency 1 - 3 years Yes Yes Yes

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Project No. 2
Title Negotiated protocol for the use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge to complement scientific knowledge on the distribution, abundance, movement, ecology and management practices of dugongs Objectives 1. Gather, adapt and/or directly apply Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge to dugong management through a negotiated protocol within each community; 2. Raise awareness in Indigenous communities about the need for dugong conservation and harvest management, and incorporate Indigenous knowledge into dugong conservation management; and 3. Employ local Indigenous facilitators to engage the community and assist with the recording of information relevant to dugong conservation management in collaboration with the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA) Turtle and Dugong Management Strategy. Relevance There are two major sources of dugong management information: one is mainstream science and the other, traditional knowledge. Traditional knowledge has not been adequately accounted for in the management process. This knowledge may be of much broader management value in relation to social behaviour of dugongs, fine scale movements, sexing in the water. To implement the National Partnership Approach to Sustainable Indigenous Hunting of Dugongs and Turtles, the development of a protocol for management agencies and Indigenous communities to work together to achieve conservation outcomes is desirable. Feasibility The project is highly feasible. Traditional Owner groups are currently negotiating protocols and management principles for various land tenures (e.g. protected areas). Groups are continually increasing their capacity for data collection, data management (e.g. Geographic Information Systems) and information exchange. Some large region forums have operated in the past (e.g. Sea Forum with participants from all coastal Traditional Owner groups south of Cooktown). Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate Cost > $100 000 Salary Travel Time Required 2 years to complete, results at end of project Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What research and management protocols are appropriate to support Indigenous engagement and partnerships on issues of Indigenous use of marine resources and cultural heritage, and use of information in management decisions? Priority - High Urgency 1 - 3 years What are the direct, indirect and potential impacts of Indigenous hunting on dugongs and what level of hunting is sustainable? Priority – Critical Urgency 1-3 years Yes Yes Yes

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Project No. 3
Title Variation in dugong fecundity Objectives 1. Document spatial and temporal variation in dugong calving rates in an attempt to generate hypotheses to explain the patterns observed; and 2. Determine whether the proportion of calves observed on aerial surveys is consistent with current understanding of dugong population dynamics. Relevance Calving rates are a measure of fecundity, one of the major parameters used in population models to determine sustainable harvest rates. Data from carcass studies indicate that there is considerable variation in dugong fecundity but the reasons for this are poorly understood. Thus this project will provide feedback on dugong status over the whole Torres Strait to Moreton Bay region. Feasibility This could be conducted as a desktop study using data from dugong aerial surveys available from James Cook University and University of Queensland. Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate cost $5000 – $20 000 Salary Time required 1 year to complete, results available immediately. Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What is the status of dugongs: life history parameters? Priority – High Urgency 3 - 5 years What are the direct, indirect and potential impacts of pollutants, including bioaccumulation of pollutants, on dugongs? Priority – Medium Urgency 3-5 years What are the direct, indirect and potential impacts of diseases on dugongs? Priority – Low Urgency 3-5 years Yes Yes Yes

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Project No. 4
Title Improving the knowledge of dugong distribution through analysis of historic catch and effort information Objectives 1. Assess the availability and quality of catch information for dugongs in commercial gill nets in Queensland waters; 2. Evaluate the use of such catch information for broad-scale monitoring of dugong distribution; and 3. Collate the available historic catch and effort information for dugongs to identify trends in distribution. Relevance The project is likely to result in information that will directly assist in maintaining or enhancing dugong numbers outside the Dugong Protection Areas (DPAs). Involvement of the fishing communities in the assessment of the status of dugongs, using their own catch data, will give ownership of such assessments and a greater degree of cooperation with future management policies. Assessments drawn from this information can be validated against fishery independent aerial surveys that have been carried out or are planned in future projects. Feasibility The key to this project is access to catch and effort data for dugong bycatch. Over the past thirty years, a level of trust has been built up between commercial fishers and staff of the Northern Fisheries Centre (NFC). It is therefore likely that the cooperation required will be obtained, particularly if the fishers are directly involved in the project. Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate cost $20 000 Salary Time required One year Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What is the temporal and spatial distribution of fishing activities in the GBR Marine Park, with respect to the incidental take of non-target (i.e. by-product and bycatch) species in fisheries? Priority – High Urgency 3 - 5 years What are the direct, indirect and potential impacts of incidental catch in fisheries on dugongs, and methods (e.g. pingers) to mitigate those effects? Priority – Critical Urgency 1-3 years What species of conservation concern (i.e. dugong, turtles, dolphins, whales, sea snakes and syngnathids) are at risk from fishing activities in the GBR Marine Park, how great is that risk and what is the recovery from such impacts? Priority – High Urgency 3 –5 years What highly vulnerable species are at risk from fishing activities in the GBR Marine Park, how great is that risk and what is the recovery from such impacts? Priority – High Urgency 3 –5 years Yes Yes Yes

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Project No. 5
Title Community knowledge of local dugong populations and movements Objectives 1. Encourage community participation and ownership in the management of dugong populations at local and regional scales; 2. Gather and collate knowledge of local dugong populations and geographical movements from representative samples of community participants through the use of local patch knowledge from the Torres Strait to Moreton Bay over a 12-month period; and 3. Analyse and present the data at local and regional scales for the southern and northern dugong populations. Relevance Will provide feedback on dugong status over the whole Torres Strait to Moreton Bay region Feasibility Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate cost $20 000 – $50 000 Salary Travel Time required 1 year to complete, results available immediately. Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What are the social, cultural, economic and natural resource management issues relating to Indigenous hunting and fishing in the GBR? Priority - Critical Urgency 1-3 years What are the community attitudes, perceptions, concerns and needs with respect to the use and management of the GBR? Priority – Critical Urgency 1-3 years Yes Yes Yes

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Project No. 6
Title Development of a population model for dugongs in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Torres Strait and south-east Queensland. Objectives 1. Design and validate a population model for the dugong in the Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait, Great Sandy Marine Park and Moreton Bay Marine Park; 2. Supply an operational system for modelling the dugong population, including all data, scripts and files used to model the dugong population; 3. Install and test the system and provide relevant documentation for training and system operation; and 4. Train management agency personnel in the use of the model for modelling the dugong population. Relevance Likely to result in information which will directly assist in maintaining or enhancing dugong numbers and provide further information to inform modellers elsewhere in Australia where dugongs are found. Feasibility Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate cost $150 000 Salary Time required 3 years to complete, results at end of project Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What is the status of dugongs: life history parameters? Priority – High Urgency 3 - 5 years What are the status and trends in distribution and abundance of dugongs? Priority – Critical Urgency 1-3 years What is the status of dugongs; movements/behavioural patterns? Priority – High Urgency 3-5 years What are appropriate performance indicators for assessing the effectiveness of management actions for the conservation of dugongs? Priority – High Urgency 1-3 years Yes Yes Yes

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Project No. 7
Title Detailed analysis of dugong live strandings and carcasses in Queensland. Objective Identify spatial and temporal patterns and trends in dugong live strandings and carcasses in Queensland. Relevance This desktop study is likely to raise awareness about mortality factors impacting upon Queensland’s dugong population and result in information that will directly assist management actions that will enhance the success of dugong conservation in Queensland. Data on dugong live strandings and carcasses is collected through the Queensland Marine Mammal and Turtle Stranding Program and is entered into the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service’s StrandNet database. Annual stranding and mortality reports are generated, but a detailed analysis is required to be of most use to managers. Feasibility Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate cost $5000 – $20 000 Salary Time required 1 year to complete, results available immediately. Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What are the status and trends in distribution and abundance of dugongs? Priority – Critical Urgency 1 - 3 years Yes Yes Yes

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Project No. 8
Title Large-scale aerial surveys of dugongs Objective To survey the following areas on a five year cycle: (1) Between Cooktown and the Queensland/ Northern Territory border including Torres Strait, with supplementary surveys of several important dugong habitats on the east coast of Queensland, south of Cairns; and (2) Between the Queensland/NSW border and Cairns with index blocks in Torres Strait. Relevance Much of the information used to manage dugong populations in north-eastern Australia has been provided by aerial surveys conducted since the mid 1980s using standardised techniques. These surveys have been used to identify the most important dugong areas as a basis for conservation planning, and have provided snapshot population estimates which have been used to estimate sustainable levels of anthropogenic mortality as a basis for comparison with estimates of actual anthropogenic mortality. The potential for the surveys to provide sound scientific advice is confounded by the capacity of the dugong to undertake large-scale movements. Surveys need to be conducted simultaneously across jurisdictions to provide an essential component of the science required to implement the Sustainable Harvest of Marine Turtles and Dugongs in Australia – A National Partnership Approach 2005 in the regions where harvests are believed to be highest. Feasibility Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate cost > $100 000 Aeroplane Equipment Travel Salary Time required Ongoing: useful information in progress reports. Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What are the status and trends in distribution and abundance of dugongs? Priority – Critical Urgency 1 - 3 years What is the status of dugongs: movements/behavioural patterns? Priority – High Urgency 3-5 years What are appropriate performance indicators for assessing the effectiveness of management actions for the conservation of dugongs? Priority – High Urgency 1-3 years What are the best locations for transit lanes to protect key habitat areas (e.g. Dugong Protection Areas) of dugongs? Priority – Low Urgency 3-5 years Yes Yes Yes

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Project No. 9
Title Important dugong mating areas in the Torres Strait to south-east Queensland region Objective 1. Determine whether dugongs regularly use particular areas for mating by conducing a systematic program of interviews with Traditional Owners; and 2. Analyse these areas to determine what environmental parameters influence dugong mating. Relevance Specialised areas used for mating activities are of high conservation value and protection of such areas should be a management priority. Anecdotal evidence suggests that dugongs use shallow reefal and inshore areas for mating but there is little information on specific localities. Feasibility Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate cost $20 000 - $50 000 Salary Time required 2 years to complete, useful results in progress reports. Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What is the status of dugongs: movements/behavioural patterns? Priority – High Urgency 1 - 3 years Yes Yes Yes

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Project No. 10
Title The risk of boat strike to dugongs Objective Determine what factors influence the risk of boat strike to dugongs by observing the behavioural response of dugongs to boats by using an aerial observation platform (the blimp-cam), and conducting controlled experiments to test the effects of the following variables: Boat type (size, hull design, engine type); Boat speed; Water depth; and Water turbidity Relevance Boat strikes have become one of the main threats to dugongs on the urban coast of Queensland. Recent work on the behavioural response of dugongs to boats suggested that the main factor influencing the risk of boat strikes to dugongs is boat speed (Hodgson 2005). This theory needs to be examined further so that managers can adequately assess the risk of boat strikes in various locations, and determine what measures can be taken to minimise this risk. Feasibility Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate cost $20 000 - $50 000 Boat time Equipment Time required 1 year to complete, results available immediately. Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What are the direct, indirect and potential impacts of vessel and aircraft traffic on dugongs? Priority – Medium Urgency 3 - 5 years What are the direct, indirect and potential impacts of tourism and recreational activities on dugongs? Priority – Low Urgency 3 - 5 years What are the direct, indirect and potential impacts of coastal development on dugongs? Priority – Medium Urgency 3 - 5 years Yes Yes Yes

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Project No. 11
Title Reduction of threats of commercial fishing nets to dugong Objectives 1. Identify, investigate, evaluate and make management recommendations on mitigation devices, suitable for use in commercial nets, that reduce interactions between nets and dugong; 2. Identify, investigate, evaluate and make management recommendations on alternative net construction, deployment or practices in commercial netting, that reduce interactions between nets and dugong; and 3. Identify, investigate, evaluate and make management recommendations on alternative fishing methods to net fishing, which reduce or eliminate threats to dugong. Relevance Likely to result in information that will directly assist in maintaining or enhancing dugong numbers outside the Dugong Protection Areas Feasibility Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate cost > $100 000 Equipment for field experiments Boat time Salary Time required 3 years or more, useful results in progress reports. Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What are the direct, indirect and potential impacts of incidental catch in fisheries on dugongs, and methods (e.g. 'pingers') to mitigate those effects? Priority – Critical Urgency 1 - 3 years How can bycatch mitigation devices (e.g. hoppers, BRDs, TEDs and ‘pingers’) be improved to reduce the bycatch of incidental species and the impact of fishing? Priority – High Urgency 3-5 years What is the status of dugongs: anatomy and physiology (e.g. physiological and auditory acuity in species adversely affected by vessels and the effectiveneness of ‘pingers’)? Priority - High Urgency 1-3 years What species of conservation concern (i.e. dugong, turtles, dolphins, whales, sea snakes and sygnathids) are at risk from fishing activities in the GBR Marine Park, how great is that risk and what is the recovery from such impacts? Priority – High Urgency 3 – 5 years What highly vulnerable species are at risk from fishing activities in the GBR Marine Park, how great is that risk and what is the recovery from such impacts? Priority – High Urgency 3 – 5 years No Yes Yes

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Project No. 12 Title Aerial monitoring of responses of dugongs to underwater explosions at Triangular Island, in the Shoalwater Bay Defence Training Area Objective Determine short-term (minutes-hours-days) responses by dugongs to detonations conducted in the intertidal zone of Triangular Island during Department of Defence training exercises. Relevance The Department of Defence funded a project to determine the propagation of noise and pressure waves from underwater explosions conducted at intertidal sites on Triangular Island during occasional Clearance Diver training courses (Box et al. 2000). The aim was to predict the impact of explosions on dugongs and determine the distance at which dugong would be safe from anatomical injury from the explosions. Aerial monitoring of dugongs during Defence exercises will yield valuable information on dugong behavioural responses to the noise of detonations, and can also detect any inadvertent dugong death (although such impacts are considered highly unlikely based on all current evidence). Mortality should be readily detectable since the carcass will quickly become buoyant and rise to the surface due to rapid stomach and intestinal bacterial gas production. Feasibility Experienced observers using high wing light aircraft can successfully monitor dugong numbers and movements across relatively large areas containing shallow water seagrass feeding grounds, such as those within Shoalwater Bay. Key factors influencing the success of this method are wind strength and direction, since these can increase wave action and water turbidity and hence lower dugong sighting frequency and counting accuracy. To optimise dugong monitoring success with respect to local weather conditions during Clearance Diver training, the precise timing, location and type of the training detonations will be closely coordinated with the series of before, during and post-detonation flights undertaken for this project. Consideration would also be given to fitting several dugongs with GPS and satellite transmitters some two weeks before the detonations and tracking their movements and habitat use before and after the detonations. Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate Cost > $50 000 Aeroplane GPS and satellite tracking gear Time Required 1 year to complete. Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What are the direct, indirect and potential impacts of noise on dugongs? Priority – Medium Urgency 3 - 5 years What is the status of dugongs: anatomy and physiology (e.g. physiological and auditory acuity in species adversely affected by vessels and the effectiveness of ‘pingers’)? Priority – High Urgency 1-3 years How can bycatch mitigation devices (e.g. hoppers, BRDs, TEDs and ‘pingers’) be improved to reduce the bycatch of incidental species and the impact of fishing? Priority – High Urgency 3-5 years Yes Yes Yes

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Project No. 13
Title Assessment of ‘pingers’ or other deterrent devices in reducing dugong and inshore dolphin interaction and catch in the commercial net fishery Objective Identify, investigate, evaluate and make management recommendations on the effectiveness of ‘pingers’ or other deterrent devices in reducing dugong and inshore dolphin interaction and catch in the commercial net fishery Relevance Likely to enable management action which will enhance success of Dugong Protections Areas (DPAs) and reduce risk of entanglements outside of DPAs Feasibility Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate cost > $100 000 Boat time Equipment Time required 2 years to complete, results at end of project Note – The GBRMPA has for the last 12 months, been considering conducting a workshop with other Government Departments and researchers with expertise and experience in the field of “pingers” and commercial nets. Preliminary discussions regarding such a workshop have occurred with Helene Marsh and DPI&F. The intended aim of the workshop is to exchange ideas on knowledge and work to date on “pingers” throughout Northern Australia and identify information gaps and research priorities with respect to commercial netting in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. It was hoped if possible that the workshop participants could provide management advice on the best and most responsible of use of “pingers” on nets at the present time. Such a workshop could provide a first step in the implementation of this project proposal. Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What are the direct, indirect and potential impacts of incidental catch in fisheries on dugongs, and methods (e.g. 'pingers') to mitigate those effects? Priority – Critical Urgency 1 - 3 years Yes Yes Yes

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Project No. 14
Title Management of Dugong Watching Tourism Objective Identify, investigate, evaluate and make management recommendations to ensure a sustainable commercial dugong watching industry. Relevance The Nature Conservation Act 1992 has been reviewed which enables commercial dugong watching to occur in some state marine parks. Feasibility Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate cost $20 000 to $50 000 Boat time Equipment Time required 2 years to complete, results at end of project Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What alternative management strategies and arrangements (e.g. critical approach distances) are suitable for the enhanced protection of seabird nesting and roosting, high use sites, dugongs and turtles, and threatened species? Priority – High Urgency 1-3 years What performance indicators are suitable to assess the effectiveness of management actions for the conservation of species of conservation interest (e.g. dugong, turtle, humpback and Dwarf Minke Whales)? How can these performance indicators be implemented? Priority – High Urgency 1-3 years Who is using the GBRMP, where and how, and what impact does this have on key breeding sites for seabird nesting and roosting, high use sites, turtle and dugong and other threatened species? Priority – High Urgency 1-3 years What are the direct, indirect and potential impacts of noise on dugongs? Priority – Medium Urgency 3-5 years What are the direct, indirect and potential impacts of vessel and aircraft traffic on dugongs? Priority – Medium Urgency 3-5 years What are the direct, indirect and potential impacts of tourism and recreational activities on dugongs? Priority – Low Urgency 3-5 years Yes Yes Yes

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Project No. 15 Title Assessment of the effectiveness of voluntary transit lanes in the Hinchinbrook Area and statutory “go slow” areas in Moreton Bay Marine Park and the Great Sandy Marine Park. Objective Assess, in consultation with the local community, the extent of compliance with existing voluntary boat transit lanes and obtain recommendations for any changes. Relevance Likely to provide relevant information, but may not be immediately useful to management of dugongs. Feasibility Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate cost $60 000 Boat time Salary Time required 1–3 years, results at end of project. Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What are the best locations for transit lanes to protect key habitat areas (e.g. Dugong Protection Areas) of dugongs? Priority – Low Urgency 3 - 5 years What are the direct, indirect and potential impacts of vessel and aircraft traffic on dugongs? Priority – Medium Urgency 3 – 5 years Yes Yes Yes

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Project No. 16
Title Fine scale habitat use by dugongs in areas of high human use along the urban coast of Queensland Objective 1. Use GPS technology to track the movement of individual dugongs at a fine scale (tens of metres) within habitats that have high levels of human use in the GBRWHA; 2. Determine the influence of human activities on the movement of these animals; and 3. Provide information for management planning in these areas. Relevance Information on dugong movement patterns in relation to human use areas will provide direct information on how and what human activities affect dugong distribution and the activities likely to displace dugongs from their important habitat areas. Feasibility Capture:mark:recapture studies are already occurring in Moreton Bay and improvements in satellite technology have meant the fine scale habitat use by dugongs is achievable. Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate cost > $100 000 Equipment Boat time Time required 3 years or more, useful results in progress reports. Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What is the status of dugongs: movements/behavioural patterns? Priority – High Urgency 1 - 3 years What are the status and trends in distribution and abundance of dugongs? Priority – Critical Urgency 1 – 3 years Yes Yes Yes

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Project No. 17 Title Economics of Indigenous hunting and its management Objectives 1. To apply the hybrid economy framework (customary [non-market] state and market sectors) to an investigation of the economics of the Indigenous harvest of turtles and dugongs in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area (NPA). 2. To investigate the economic costs and benefits (including social and health benefits) of management options available within this framework including the possible role of payment for environmental services (PES). Relevance Many remote communities rely on the dugong as an important source of meat and oil and invest considerable resources in dugong hunting. Controls on the number of dugongs caught would be at high social and economic cost to the community. These costs have not been quantified to date and there may be considerable economic costs and benefits (including social and health benefits) by paying communities for providing environmental services such as caring for country. Feasibility This project will involve the new application of established techniques. This will include participant observation and management organisations and a sample of communities actively engaged in marine turtle and dugong harvesting; evaluation of the direct contribution of customary harvesting to livelihoods and to social life; and examination of indirect and induced benefits from payment to Islanders for environmental services and an examination of costs and benefits of strategies developed by Torres Strait NAILSMA- Marine Turtle and Dugong Management project and proposed by Project 18 below. This project will be funded by the Marine and Tropical Science Research Facility from 2007-2009. Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate cost > $100 000 Time required 3 years, results at end of project. Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What are the direct, indirect and potential impacts of Indigenous hunting on dugongs and what level of hunting is sustainable? Priority – Critical Urgency 1-3 years What are the cumulative impacts on the environment and stakeholder groups of existing developments (to facilitate more informed decision-making regarding new developments: e.g. aquaculture, marinas, research stations/activities, volume of boats, Indigenous hunting, whale watching)? Priority – High Urgency 3-5 years Yes Yes Yes

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Project No. 18

Title Culturally and ecologically sustainable Indigenous hunting Objective To develop and quantify options for the management of Indigenous hunting of dugongs and turtles on the basis of community acceptance, cost and cultural and ecological sustainability. Relevance The management of dugong and turtle hunting conducted by remote communities needs to be culturally appropriate, ecologically effective, logistically achievable and cost effective. This research would feed into the TUMRA process and the processes being developed to manage the harvest of dugongs and green turtles by Torres Strait communities. Feasibility The project would be based on a novel combination of established techniques including community based cultural mapping to record Indigenous knowledge relevant to the management of dugongs and turtles at a local sea country-based scale; interviews with hunters about their concerns regarding dugongs and turtles and their management; focus groups with hunters in major dugong and turtles hunting communities; and an assessment of cultural and ecological sustainability of options using results of: (1) cultural mapping and (2) focus groups and interviews with hunters and spatial data sets of the distribution of dugongs, turtles and seagrass obtained from the aerial surveys. Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate cost > $100 000 Time required 3 years, results mainly at end of project. Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What are the direct, indirect and potential impacts of Indigenous hunting on dugongs and what level of hunting is sustainable? Priority – Critical Urgency 1 – 3 years Yes Yes Yes

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Project No. 19
Title Auditory characteristics of the dugong ear Objective Determine the auditory characteristics of the dugong ear with respect to its acoustic capabilities and sensitivity to pressure wave injury. Relevance This project forms part of the dugong research program being funded by Defence to assess the effects of underwater explosions, which are conducted at two intertidal sites at Triangular Island during occasional Clearance Diver training courses. Part of this study has been undertaken, with Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) measurements having already been obtained from a captured dugong at Sea World. Further ABR tests, together with an examination of shock wave impacts on the dugong ear, will add considerable information to our currently limited knowledge of dugong hearing ability. The results will therefore be valuable for auditory zoologists in general, as well as for environmental appraisals of other noise-generating activities such as boating and underwater seismic exploration by the petroleum industry. Feasibility Based on work already undertaken elsewhere, particularly that on the Florida manatee at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, a comparative morphological and histological investigation of preserved dugong skulls and ear structures will enable the auditory characteristics to be determined. It is hoped that this project can include a manipulative study using 1–2 dugong heads taken from fresh carcasses. This will allow the project to provide a reliable estimate of both auditory capabilities and pressure thresholds that could injure the middle ear (a sensitive structure present in all mammals and considered the most susceptible to pressure wave damage). Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate Cost > $100 000 Laboratory Travel Time Required 1 year to complete. Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What is the status of dugongs: anatomy and physiology (e.g. physiological and auditory acuity in species adversely affected by vessels & the effectiveness of 'pingers')? Priority – High Urgency 1 - 3 years What are the direct, indirect and potential impacts of noise on dugongs? Priority – Medium Urgency 3 – 5 years Yes Yes Yes

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Project No. 20
Title Seasonal changes in dugong diet Objective 1. Analyse the diet of dugongs using modern methods of looking at stable isotope ratios, fatty acid analyses and other chemical signatures in hair and faeces; 2. Apply these methods to live dugongs from various regions throughout eastern Queensland, and verify findings using carcasses from the necropsy program; and 3. Determine the regional, seasonal and individual difference in dugong diets. Relevance Will provide basic information on biology and ecology of dugongs which could enhance longer-term management of dugongs. Feasibility Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate cost > $100 000 Laboratory Boat time Time required 3 years or more, results at end of project. Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What major factors determine the condition of major habitat types in the GBRMP? Priority – High Urgency <1 year Yes Yes Yes

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Project No. 21 Title Spatial differences in the mating behaviour of dugongs Objective 1. Investigate the mating systems within dugong populations at various locations in Australia by applying methods developed to study dugong behaviour using the blimp-cam in combination with modern genetic techniques; and 2. Determine whether geographic differences exist in dugong mating behaviour and what environmental parameters influence these differences. Relevance The limited studies to date suggest major geographical variation in the mating behaviour of dugongs ranging from lekking in Shark Bay, Western Australia to male mating herds exhibiting violent competition for single females in Moreton Bay, Queensland. An understanding of dugong mating behaviour will enhance knowledge of dugong ecology, which aides in predicting the effects of human influences. Feasibility Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate cost > $100 000 Boat time Laboratory Equipment Time required 2 – 3 years, results at end of project. Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What is the status of dugongs: movements/behavioural patterns? Priority - High Urgency 1 – 3 years What is the status of dugongs: life history parameters? Priority - High Urgency 3 - 5 years Yes Yes Yes

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Project No. 22
Title Dugong genetics: insights into dugong social structure and fine-scale habitat use Objective Gain insights into dugong social structure and individual patterns of fine scale habitat use by obtaining genetic samples of live animals. This would incorporate established techniques such as mitochondrial DNA sequencing, genotyping using developed microsatellite markers, and molecular sexing to determine the identity, sex and relatedness of individuals. Relevance Will provide basic information on the biology and ecology of dugongs which would enhance longterm management of dugongs. Feasibility Genetic studies have been conducting using mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite markers on tissue samples collected from opportunistically available carcasses and from capture:mark:recapture studies. Are appropriate methods developed and tested? Are appropriately skilled people and equipment available? Is there sufficient time to produce useful results? Approximate cost > $100 000 Boat time Laboratory Time required 3 years or more, results at end of project Links to Research Needs for Protection and Management of the GBRMP (GBRMPA, 2005) What is the status of dugongs: movements/behavioural patterns? Priority - High Urgency 1 – 3 years What is the status of dugongs: life history parameters? Priority - High Urgency 3 - 5 years Yes Yes Yes

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