Management of traditional hunting of dugongs [Dugong dugon (Müller, 1776)] in the northern Great Barrier Reef,Australia |
| |
Authors: | Andrew Smith Helene Marsh |
| |
Institution: | (1) Sir George Fisher Centre For Tropical Marine Studies, James Cook University of North Queensland, 4811 Townsville, Queensland, Australia;(2) Zoology Department, James Cook University of North Queensland, 4811 Townsville, Queensland, Australia |
| |
Abstract: | Some of the largest concentrations of dugongs (Dugong dugon) occur in the coastal waters of eastern Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Designation of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
has prompted the development of a program for management of dugong hunting by the aboriginal communities of the region. Assessment
of the population by aerial surveys combined with monitoring of the aboriginal hunters' harvest suggest that the take is well
below the sustainable yield. However, the reproductive rate of dugongs is so low that it will be a decade before the status
of the population can be established. Therefore, a conservative management policy for dugongs is recommended while acknowledging
the rights of traditional hunters. Greater participation of the aboriginal communities in the management program is sought
to overcome initial misunderstandings and hostility. |
| |
Keywords: | Traditional dugong harvest Australia |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|