Doha, May 29 (QNA) - Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) highlighted its ongoing efforts to monitor and protect dugongs in Qatari waters, marking World Dugong Day observed annually on May 28, while stressing the species' importance in maintaining the balance of coastal and marine ecosystems.

In a statement issued Friday, the ministry noted that dugongs are classified as vulnerable to extinction on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, underscoring the importance of national and regional efforts aimed at protecting the species and its natural habitats.

The ministry explained that Qatar's territorial waters host significant populations of dugongs, which rely mainly on seagrass for food, adding that their presence is closely linked to the health of marine habitats and the quality of coastal environments.

On the occasion, MOECC's Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Nature Reserves Affairs Dr. Ibrahim Al Maslamani said the ministry conducted a scientific and field study between 2023 and 2026 to monitor dugong populations in Qatari waters and explore ways to preserve them.

He said the study recorded 224 dugongs, including 197 adults and 27 calves, providing important scientific data to support the ministry's efforts in monitoring the species and identifying environmentally significant areas for its protection.

Al Maslamani added that the ministry's scientific team studied the structure of dugong populations in the northwestern waters of the country, with a focus on monitoring mothers and calves using advanced aerial survey technologies, in addition to drones used to track dugong movements across seagrass meadows along Qatar's coastal waters.

He explained that the study found dugongs often move in large herds led by adults, while calves remain in the center of the group for protection.

Researchers were also able, through drone imagery, to identify certain dugongs based on distinctive markings on their bodies, providing valuable long-term data on their numbers, health conditions, and movement patterns.

He noted that repeated observations reinforce the importance of Qatar's northwestern and eastern waters as vital nursery grounds for dugongs, while scientific indicators also support the existence of a clear breeding season for the species in Qatari waters.

Dr. Al Maslamani stressed the importance of continuing environmental monitoring programs to protect dugong habitats, especially during breeding seasons, in support of Qatar's efforts to conserve endangered marine species, manage biodiversity, preserve ecological balance in its territorial waters, and achieve sustainable development goals. (QNA)