Long Live Dugongs

Dugongs, often called "sea cows," are classified as a vulnerable species primarily due to human activities such as commercial fishing, poaching, destruction of their vital seagrass habitats, and the impacts of climate change. These gentle marine mammals play an indispensable role in coastal ecosystems and act as key indicators of overall marine health.

Seagrass meadows, which are the main food source for dugongs, are rapidly declining due to shifting climate patterns. As these underwater grasslands vanish, dugongs face the grim prospect of starvation and are forced to migrate in search of dwindling food sources. Unfortunately, because climate change is a global issue, the loss of seagrass meadows affects dugongs on a broader scale, putting them at critical risk of extinction.

Protecting dugongs is not just about saving one species; it is about preserving the delicate balance of our marine ecosystems. By investing in dugong conservation efforts, we can help safeguard these magnificent creatures for future generations, ensuring that our children and grandchildren can marvel at and learn from these ancient sea wanderers.

To conserve dugongs, we focus on two primary strategies: restoring their food source (seagrass) and understanding their migration patterns. Both approaches leverage drone technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Restoring Seagrass

Our seagrass restoration efforts involve research-driven techniques, but drone technology plays a central role. We use drones for tasks like aerial mapping and monitoring to identify suitable areas for restoration and assess environmental conditions. Additionally, drones assist in precision seagrass planting trials, helping us maximize limited resources for optimal results. Collaborating with local communities and marine biologists, we conduct iterative experiments—guided by data from drones—to refine and adapt restoration techniques for the highest potential benefits.

Understanding Migration Patterns

To study dugong migration, behavior, and health, we employ drones equipped with advanced sensors and cameras. These UAVs allow us to remotely monitor dugongs, gather detailed data on their movements, and identify critical habitats or potential threats. This information is integrated into conservation strategies, enabling us to prioritize actions and develop comprehensive management plans.

Since Below the Tides exceeded its fundraising target in the previous campaign, we only need partial funding for this project.