Standard Presentation (12 minutes) Australian Marine Sciences Association 2025 Conference

Dugong Connections – Enhancing Knowledge Exchange and Conservation Across the Great Barrier Reef (120236)

Christophe Cleguer 1 , Luisa Schramm 1 , Mélanie Hamel 1 , Emily Webster 1 , Carolyn Trewin 2 , Karin Gerhardt 2
  1. Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
  2. Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Townsville

Scientists have monitored dugongs in the Great Barrier Reef for over 40 years, but Traditional Owners have had limited involvement due to a lack of culturally appropriate research approaches. Despite their deep knowledge of dugongs and seagrass ecosystems, opportunities for active participation in research have been minimal.

Dugong Connections goes beyond scientific data collection, fostering meaningful partnerships between Reef Traditional Owners and researchers on dugong ecology, population status, challenges, and stewardship aspirations. Strengthening these relationships is key to ensuring culturally respectful research that values Traditional Owner consultation, participation, and leadership.

The project focuses on three key themes:

  1. Direct engagement with Traditional Owners on Country, including community visits to share historical dugong science while listening to Traditional Owners’ perspectives on Sea Country management and future research partnerships.
  2. Regional workshops for two-way knowledge exchange between Traditional Owners and scientists.
  3. A collaborative study on dugong movements in the Great Barrier Reef, integrating scientific and Traditional Ecological Knowledge.

This project provides an opportunity to build trust-based relationships, strengthen Traditional Owner-led dugong stewardship, and enhance conservation efforts.