Dugong Research and Conservation Project, Palawan

With its extensive seagrass beds, Green Island Bay in Roxas Municipality, Palawan, is an important habitat for the endangered dugong or sea cow. The bay is the last few remaining habitats in the world for the species that is fast declining in numbers. In 2004, the project helped establish an LGU-based marine mammal rescue network, which has been monitoring strandings and spearheading rescues of dugongs inadvertently caught by fishing gears in the area. The project provided technical support in the culture of seaweeds to encourage farmers to monitor and safeguard the seaweed areas-home to the dugong as well. The support increased seaweed production in Green Island. WWF-Philippines will continue to work with the Roxas municipality in providing institutional support for dugong conservation.

To know more about this project, please email bsalbasin@wwf.org.ph