In a truly heartwarming development, Tamil Nadu is celebrating a resurgence in its dugong population, a species once critically endangered in the region. The state’s innovative and collaborative approach to protecting these gentle marine mammals has also garnered international recognition as a leading conservation model. Through a comprehensive strategy involving government initiatives, support from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), stringent anti-poaching measures, active rescue and release operations, robust community engagement, and vital habitat restoration, dugongs are making a strong recovery in the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar (PB-GoM region) along the Tamil Nadu coastline.
Known affectionately as ‘sea cows,’ dugongs (Dugong dugon) play a crucial role as ‘farmers’ or ‘gardeners’ of the sea. They are indispensable for maintaining the health of coastal ecosystems and promoting fish production. These magnificent creatures, which can grow up to three meters long and weigh over 400 kg, prefer warm, sheltered coastal waters like bays and lagoons, primarily feeding on extensive seagrass beds. In India, they are found in the Gulf of Mannar, the Palk Bay, the Gulf of Kutch, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Being herbivores, dugongs consume an impressive 30-40 kg of seagrass daily.
Currently listed as Vulnerable to Extinction on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, dugongs were once abundant in Indian waters. Despite being protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, their numbers had sharply declined over several decades. Factors contributing to this decline included hunting for their meat, accidental drownings due to commercial fishing practices, and widespread degradation of their natural habitats.
A pivotal step in their protection was taken in September 2022, when the government officially designated 448.34 square kilometers in the northern Palk Bay as a Dugong Conservation Reserve under the Wild Life (Protection) Act. This critical area encompasses over 12,250 hectares of seagrass meadows, serving as an essential feeding ground for dugongs.
International Acclaim from IUCN
Adding to the state’s success, the IUCN formally adopted a resolution last week, acknowledging India’s inaugural Dugong Conservation Reserve in the Palk Bay, spanning the Thanjavur and Pudukkottai districts. This motion, spearheaded by the OMCAR (Organisation for Marine Conservation, Awareness and Research) Foundation—a non-profit actively involved in the conservation efforts—received overwhelming global support during online voting at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin celebrated this achievement on X, commending the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and its conservation partners for their tireless work.
The resolution lauded the establishment of the reserve as a “critical step towards marine biodiversity conservation in South Asia and an exemplary model for dugong conservation globally.” It also highlighted the innovative, eco-friendly restoration techniques, such as using bamboo frames, to aid seagrass habitat recovery.
This international recognition coincides with compelling evidence from a recent survey by the WII, which confirmed a rise in the dugong population within the PB-GoM region—the most crucial of India’s three dugong habitats. The drone survey, conducted between March and May this year, estimated that this area is now home to over 200 dugongs.
“We have completed the drone survey, using a standardized technique, covering the Palk Bay area from Adhirampattinam to Ammapattinam, including the dugong conservation reserve, as well as the Southern Palk Bay region in Ramanathapuram division and the Gulf of Mannar. The estimate indicates a dugong population of more than 200 in this region alone; the precise figure is likely even higher. The findings will be published soon,” stated J.A. Johnson, a senior scientist at WII. He noted that in 2012-13, India’s total dugong population across its three habitats was estimated to be around 250. Given its vast seagrass meadows, the Tamil Nadu coast has historically supported the largest population.
It is believed that India had a much larger dugong population 70-80 years ago, but widespread hunting for meat severely depleted their numbers before they received legal protection, explained K. Sivakumar, former Chief Scientist at WII and now a professor at Pondicherry University. “There were no direct sightings of the animal by researchers after the 1970s. In the early 2000s, we even considered the possibility of their extinction, prompting me to propose a study in 2008,” he recounted. Following this, the Central government established a Task Force for Conservation of Dugongs in India, launching a national dugong recovery program in collaboration with the governments of Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, all of whom were already undertaking conservation efforts. This initiative also received funding from the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Poaching Under Control
“The initial and most crucial step was to halt poaching. Thanks to extensive awareness campaigns, poaching has now been virtually eradicated, although occasional instances of dugongs becoming entangled in fishing nets and drowning (as they must frequently surface to breathe) are still reported. However, fishers are increasingly taking the initiative to rescue these animals when they are caught as bycatch. I estimate that there are now between 200 and 300 dugongs here, a direct result of these dedicated conservation efforts,” Dr. Sivakumar affirmed.
Dr. Johnson echoed this sentiment, stating, “The conservation efforts have unequivocally contributed to the increase in numbers. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has demonstrated remarkable proactivity, and the involvement of local communities and NGOs has been truly commendable. The notification of the reserve was a monumental step, despite the numerous challenges it presented.”
“The dugong’s return illustrates how concerted government action, scientific expertise, and community involvement can collectively bring about the revival of a rare species,” remarked Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Climate Change and Forests, Tamil Nadu, in a post on X. In an interview, she credited the success of these conservation initiatives to the state’s strong political will, bureaucratic dedication, and an expertly executed strategy. “The actions initiated over the past four years are part of a broader vision of the State government—that conservation must be a priority. Every species is important, and this is a legacy we are building for future generations. It’s a very strong conservation commitment,” she emphasized.
Ms. Sahu highlighted the state’s systematic approach to dugong conservation. “We began with extensive research, gathering scientific evidence and data. This species is highly endangered, and without legal protection, they could have faced extinction,” she explained, characterizing the reserve’s notification as a powerful and transformative legal action by the state.
This foundational work was complemented by measures focused on habitat restoration and engaging local communities, empowering fisherfolk to become the first responders in rescue efforts. “Dugongs are vital for protecting the coastal ecosystem. Habitat restoration is paramount; if their habitats vanish, the species will too. Therefore, we partnered with the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, the Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute, and local NGOs like the OMCAR Foundation to implement our strategy, including seagrass restoration,” she elaborated. Initially, these activities were supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-backed Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Conservation and Greening Project for Climate Change Response and other projects. Now, the Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission (TN-SHORE) also provides support for these initiatives.
Recognizing the crucial role of community participation for sustainable conservation, approximately 150 awareness programs have been conducted for fisherfolk and self-help group members. These sessions aimed to educate them on the importance of dugong conservation and how to safely rescue entangled animals. As a direct result of these programs, nine successful dugong rescues have been carried out in the last two years. “We also compensate fishermen for any damage to their nets during rescue operations and acknowledge their stewardship through a reward program. The government, local communities, research institutions, and NGOs have all united for the cause of dugongs,” Ms. Sahu affirmed.
“These outreach initiatives were strategically designed to convey to coastal villagers that safeguarding dugongs and their habitats would ultimately benefit their fishing livelihoods in the long term,” a Forest Department official in Pudukkottai explained.
Furthering these outreach efforts, a scholarship program was introduced for the children of fisherfolk. A socio-economic survey had revealed a high dropout rate among school students in these coastal villages. “We designated them as ‘dugong ambassadors,’ reaching out to their families through them to foster a shift in mindset,” Dr. Sivakumar shared.
In tandem with sensitization programs, the Forest Department in Pudukkottai and Thanjavur, in collaboration with the OMCAR Foundation, embarked on restoring seagrass meadows. “Restoration is a painstaking and time-consuming process; we are involving fishermen not just in dugong rescue and release, but also in habitat restoration,” said V. Balaji, Director of the OMCAR Foundation. This restoration work was carried out at sites identified through drone imagery within the Dugong Conservation Reserve in the Palk Bay. In Pudukkottai district, 1,000 square meters were dedicated to establishing seagrass patches across 10 different sites, utilizing eco-friendly bamboo frames and coir ropes.
Biodegradable materials were chosen to ensure sustainable restoration without harming the marine environment, the official noted. With the help of local fisherfolk, healthy sprigs of seagrass species such as Syringodium isoetifolium, Cymodocea serrulata, and Halodule pinifolia were meticulously transplanted into the designated areas. A similar 1,000-square-meter initiative was undertaken along the coastal regions of Valluvanpattinam and Somanathapattinam in Thanjavur district. “Over the past four years, we have successfully restored 31 acres of seagrass habitat under various projects, including TN-SHORE,” Ms. Sahu confirmed.
Future: A Dedicated Conservation Centre
The state has also made plans to establish an International Dugong Conservation Centre in Manora, a popular scenic spot along the Palk Bay. “This will be a unique center with multiple facets. It aims to further boost awareness and maintain focus on the species, rallying collective support. The center will serve as a vital hub for information and activities, catering to researchers and students. Additionally, it will function as an eco-tourism destination. The tendering process is currently in progress, and we are evaluating bids,” she elaborated.
Despite the significant achievements, experts caution that much work remains. “Seagrass beds are frequently damaged by drag nets used by traditional boats and by boat traffic, among other factors. We are continuously working to educate fishermen on these issues,” Dr. Balaji highlighted. Experts also stress the importance of stronger regional cooperation, particularly with Sri Lanka, given that dugongs are migratory and often move between the Tamil Nadu coastline and Sri Lankan shores. Emphasizing the need for sustained conservation efforts, Dr. Sivakumar concluded, “Now that we are witnessing positive results, we must ensure these efforts are not wasted.”