Merimbula's dugong relocated

Media release: 21 January 2016

 

A dugong that has been seen at Merimbula Lake since last November has been safety caught and is being relocated to Queensland following growing concerns about the animal’s welfare.

Marine mammal experts entered Merimbula Lake early this morning and located the animal which yesterday avoided attempts at capture.

Stephen Dovey, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Far South Coast Regional Manager said that by 9.00 this morning the tide had dropped and the team were able to catch the 2.7m long male dugong and transfer it to a sling before slowly bringing it ashore for close assessment.

“Once out of the water specialist Sea World veterinarians were able to perform a thorough assessment of the animal’s condition for the first time,” Mr Dovey said.

“The assessment confirmed our concerns that its health had deteriorated and it had clearly lost weight and skin condition from its time in Merimbula.

“However it is excellent news that the vet’s advice was that overall the dugong is strong enough to travel and late this morning it was carefully loaded into a waiting RAAF Hercules for its journey back to Queensland.

“The wellbeing of the dugong is the team’s highest priority so the decision to attempt this relocation was based on improving its welfare and giving it the best chance of survival.

“The dugong will spend some time at Sea World regaining its health and we are all hoping it will make a full recovery with the ideal outcome being its eventual return to Moreton Bay.

“Since the animal first appeared in the lake, NPWS has been working with community volunteers to monitor its movements and report sightings.

“We cannot thank the local community enough for its support, not only during this detailed operation but, for the months leading up to now while we were keeping a close eye on the animal’s condition.

“Sea World and Sea Life Sydney Aquarium experts were also brought in to consider the best option for the dugong when it became clear its condition was declining.

“It’s expected the dugong will arrive safely at Sea World this afternoon.

“This was the best result we could have hoped for as usually the outcome for animals found so far from their home range is not always good,” said Mr Dovey.

NPWS would like to thank Sea World, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and ORRCA for their assistance throughout this joint operation as well as Merimbula locals who heeded warnings to give the animal space and who diligently monitored the dugong since last November.

Strong support has also come from the RAAF, Roads and Maritime Service, NSW Water Police, Fisheries, Bega Valley Shire Council who all worked together to relocate the animal.

Photos for media: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nswnationalparks/albums/72157663080836760

Contact: Sarah Scroope