Research and efforts to protect the waters around the Mersing cluster of islands in Johor are currently underway to safeguard the seagrass and the endangered dugong population, which is believed to number fewer than 100 in Malaysia. The Fisheries Department highlights that these islands are the only known habitat for dugongs in Peninsular Malaysia.
Despite their unique environment, the dugong population has been steadily decreasing due to threats to their habitat and the seagrass ecosystem. Between 2015 and 2022, around 10 dugongs, particularly babies, have been reported dead. The MareCet Research Organisation (MareCet) estimates that there are less than 100 dugongs in the Mersing Islands area.
According to the Fisheries Department, the seagrass meadows in Pulau Sibu and Pulau Tinggi in Johor are crucial grazing grounds for dugongs, as indicated by seagrass surveys and grazing effects since 2014.
Not only do the seagrass areas in Johor support the dugong species, but they also benefit other commercial species. A study revealed that the presence of seagrass plays a vital role for mabang squid, which use the waters around Pulau Sibu and Pulau Tinggi as their spawning ground.
Although the waters of Pulau Sibu and Pulau Tinggi have been designated as a marine park, only 38% of dugongs are observed within these boundaries, with many mother-baby dugong pairs found outside the park area, as reported by Bernama.
In light of World Seagrass Day celebrated on March 1 each year, the department issued a statement emphasizing the importance of preserving seagrass to maintain marine ecosystem equilibrium and raise public awareness on the matter.
The department is actively conducting preliminary studies on ex situ seagrass propagation to rehabilitate potential locations where seagrass habitats require restoration. Seagrass, often overlooked in the marine ecosystem, serves as habitat, food, and shelter for various marine species, including dugongs and turtles, while also aiding in reducing carbon dioxide levels and enhancing seawater quality.
