In Danger: Dugong

Dugongs are aquatic mammals that live in shallow coastal areas such as wide bays and mangrove channels, protected by nearshore islands. They are found in the warmer waters of the western Pacific and Indian Oceans. They closely resemble their slightly rounder cousins, the manatees — and both are sometimes called “sea cows” because of their tremendous size and placid movements.

Although they have few natural predators, dugongs are threatened by pollution and sedimentation from coastal development. Dugongs have been designated as “vulnerable” by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and “threatened with extinction” under the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Despite these added protections, the worldwide population continues to decline.

E-LAW U.S. is working with attorney Naoki Ikeda and the Japan Environmental Lawyers Federation to preserve critical dugong habitat off the island of Okinawa. The Japanese government is planning to construct a U.S. military base that would destroy coral reefs and sea grass meadows where dugongs feed and breed. E-LAW U.S. Law Fellow Derek Snelling provided information on how the Endangered Species Act applies to U.S. military bases abroad. E-LAW U.S. will continue to advise our colleagues about the possibility of filing suit in U.S. federal court to protect these shy and graceful creatures.