Report of the Second Workshop on The Biology and Conservation of ...

Table 8. Conservation objectives identified by workshop participants as <strong>the</strong>irhighest priorities for <strong>the</strong> dugong in SE Asia, and <strong>the</strong> research ando<strong>the</strong>r actions required to address <strong>the</strong>se objectives.No priorities were developed for Australia in view <strong>of</strong> its developed country status. However,<strong>the</strong> workshop noted with concern <strong>the</strong> overall lack <strong>of</strong> research on marine mammals in <strong>the</strong>Australian waters <strong>of</strong> SE Asia.ObjectivesGeneralImprove understanding <strong>of</strong> stock identityStrategiesDevelop cooperative exchange <strong>of</strong> specimens, DNA andmethodology throughout regionThailand, Cambodia VietnamDevelop and implement series <strong>of</strong>reserves to protect dugongs in <strong>the</strong>Gulf <strong>of</strong> Thailand, Cambodia andVietnam1. Hold technical workshop to investigate and plan logistics anddevelop joint proposal2. Hold discussions with government in each country3. Modify proposal if required by governments4. Seek funding5. Conduct aerial surveys <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> region to 20m depth contourto <strong>the</strong> 20m contour, potentially coordinated by WWFIndochina6. Provide management guidelines to government(s)7. Assist in <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> education and awareness programsThailand and MalaysiaUpgrade reserves in Trang to Langkawiareas to ensure dugong and seagrassconservation1. Hold bilateral workshop to considerations required to upgradereserves2. Conduct aerial surveys in Langkawi region to identify dugongdistribution and relative abundance3. Advise authorities on requirements to upgrade reserves andresults <strong>of</strong> surveyChinaUpgrade reserves established fordugongs in Hepu area1. Conduct aerial survey in Chinese waters—particularly Hepuwaters to upgrade information on dugong distribution andrelative abundance in Gulf <strong>of</strong> Tonkin2. Advise authorities <strong>of</strong> priorities for upgrading reservesPhilippinesEstablish MPAs particularly for dugong1. Identify critical sites e.g. Calauit Island, Busuanga; Green IslandBay, Palawan;Malita, Davao del Sur; Sarangani Bay, Sarangani;Sulu Archipelago; Hinatuan Bay, Surigao del Sur)2. Educate and involve community in MPA development andimplementation3. Establish protected areas according to nationally establishedprotocols86 CMS Technical Series Publication Nº 9 - 2005