Dugong numbers halve in Gulf of Carpentaria over two decades
Aerial surveys tracked dugong numbers in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Numbers fell from 10,000 in 2007 to 5,000 in 2025.
Researchers from James Cook and Charles Darwin universities found dugong numbers dropped from 10,000 in 2007 to 5,000 in 2025. The Queensland population dropped sharply, while NT waters remained stable.
Scientists cite floods, storms, gillnet entanglement and boat strikes. Indigenous ranger groups call for expanded gillnet bans.
But the commercial fishing industry rejects further restrictions. Fishing industry leaders argue the focus should shift to all causes, including traditional hunting and poaching.
- From 10,000 to 5,000 in 18 years
- Dugong decline
- 2007 to 2025
- Time span
- Gulf of Carpentaria
- Location
- Due by end of 2027
- NT gillnet ban
Why it mattersDugongs are keystone species. Their collapse signals broader ecosystem damage across northern Australian marine habitats.
AustraliaAustralia's gulf ecosystems face pressure that affects Indigenous hunting rights, commercial fishing viability and Australia's marine conservation reputation.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 11 d ago
