Cambodianess /
PHNOM PENH – After a decade without confirmed sightings, the regionally endangered dugong has made a spectacular comeback in Cambodia’s Kep Archipelago. Observed for the first time in 2024, their return offers a hopeful sign for marine conservation in the region.
Dugongs, also known as sea cows, have been listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1982. Globally, their population continues to decline, largely due to human activity affecting their habitats.
Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) reported on September 2 that their team spotted the elusive sea cows in the Kep Marine Fisheries Management Area. During diving surveys, researchers discovered a new dugong feeding trail in an area rich with Halophila seagrass, one of the species’ preferred foods. Later, drones confirmed the presence of the animals from above.
“Their return is a testament to the collaborative conservation efforts between MCC and the Fisheries Administration under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries,” MCC said. “The recovery of seagrass beds has also played a crucial role in supporting dugong survival.”
Despite these positive signs, MCC cautioned that ongoing fishing practices continue to threaten marine biodiversity, posing serious risks to dugongs and other marine life. “Sustained attention and protection are essential to ensure that dugongs can thrive in Cambodia’s coastal waters,” the NGO added.
Dugongs, relatives of manatees, are identifiable by their dolphin-like tails and typically grey or brown coloring. They can grow up to three meters long and weigh as much as 400 kilograms. Globally, roughly 100,000 dugongs inhabit the waters of around 40 countries, exclusively in saltwater environments. Their survival is closely tied to the health of seagrass habitats along coastal areas.
MCC is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring marine ecosystems in Cambodia, focusing much of its work on Kep province.
