In southern Queensland, it has been suggested that there may have been a 95% decline in dugong populations over the past 50 years. This decline appears to have occurred in the more developed and urbanised coast of southern Queensland. Within this area, there are three significant dugong 'populations' in Moreton Bay, Hervey Bay-Great Sandy Straits and Shoalwater Bay.

We are studying these dugong populations through mark-recapture population studies. This research yields data pertaining to individuals (including reproductive patterns and growth rates), populations (including adult survivorship, age structure, recruitment rates), and social structure (including intra-population genetics and mating strategies). Life history parameters obtained from this study will be used in management plans for sub-tropical dugong populations.

On the map at left, the arrows indicate from south to north: Moreton Bay, Hervey Bay, and Shoalwater Bay.