Why is it in the news?
→ MoEFCC Expert Appraisal Committee recommended redesign of proposed International Dugong Conservation Centre, Tamil Nadu.
→ Project overlaps CRZ-I and CRZ-III ecologically sensitive zones.
Category
Environment
Important Points
- The proposed centre is located in Manora, Thanjavur within CRZ-III No Development Zone and CRZ-I mangrove/seagrass areas.
- Dugong is a large marine mammal, up to 10 feet long and ~420 kg.
- Also called “sea cow” and “farmer of the sea”.
- Strictly herbivorous, it feeds on seagrass in shallow coastal waters (<10 m).
- Indian distribution: Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar–Palk Bay, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- Long-lived (up to 70 years); reproduces every 3–5 years.
- IUCN status: Vulnerable; CITES Appendix I; Schedule I Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Seagrass stabilises seafloor, supports fisheries, sequesters carbon; largest meadows in Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay.