Okinawa: The History of Dugong Conservation and Current Status in the 2020s - September 2007

Okinawa: The History of Dugong Conservation and Current Status in the 2020s - September 2007

Dugongs| which inhabit only the waters around Okinawa's main island| particularly near Nago City and Kunigami Village| were designated as Critically Endangered (CR) by the Ministry of the Environment in 2007. The Ministry "Red List" was revised at that time| adding 3155 species as endangered| with dugongs classified in the highest risk category of "Critically Endangered." The dugong population in Okinawa waters was estimated to be below 50 individuals| with a very limited range| emphasizing the importance of their conservation. This situation arose from coral reef destruction| coastal development| ship traffic| and fishing accidents| with the construction of a base in Henoko and Oura Bay impacting the habitat significantly.

International attention on dugong conservation also increased| with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) designating dugongs as endangered| promoting global cooperation in conservation efforts. Locally| the University of the Ryukyus research team has advanced dugong habitat surveys| focusing on protecting seagrass beds| their primary feeding grounds. In addition| organizations such as the WWF and corporate entities like Japan Airlines (JAL) have actively supported dugong conservation through funding and awareness campaigns.

In the 2020s| the dugong population faces even more severe challenges. In March 2019| a dugong was found deceased along the western coast of Okinawa's main island| marking a further reduction in population. In April 2024| the University of the Ryukyus confirmed dugong presence through DNA analysis of fecal samples collected in Kushi and Sawada on Irabu Island| Miyako Islands. However| the population remains critically low| estimated at fewer than 20 individuals. Additionally| Okinawa seagrass beds have deteriorated due to coastal development| red soil runoff| and agricultural wastewater| while ongoing construction in Henoko and Oura Bay is severely damaging dugong habitats. Fishing-related bycatch further threatens their survival.

The Ministry of the Environment and Okinawa Prefecture have launched initiatives to survey dugong populations and restore seagrass beds| opening a dedicated website in August 2024 to collect sighting reports from residents. The IUCN specialist group for marine mammals has also proposed detailed survey plans to the Japanese government| Okinawa Prefecture| and NGOs| seeking international support. Okinawa Electric Power Co.| Inc. has begun a seagrass bed restoration project| while All Nippon Airways (ANA) has raised awareness about dugong conservation through in-flight magazines and events.

However| preventing dugong extinction will require more substantial measures. With coastal development and environmental degradation ongoing| sustained efforts and cooperation from the entire community are crucial to conserving the dugong habitat.