James Cook University scientists are studying a previously unknown manta ray aggregation at Holbourne Island.

Manta rays in the central Great Barrier Reef

This project aims to understand dugong movement and behaviour by studying their diving patterns and habitat use.

Movement and behaviour of dugongs

Understanding dugong health through drone-based body condition assessments and blood sampling of captured and tagged animals.

Dugong health

Using population genomics approaches to identify dugong populations and their level of connectivity across northern Australia.

Using dugong genetics to understand connectivity

Aerial surveys reveal extensive data on dugong populations, movement, and habitat use in Queensland's Great Barrier Reef, Moreton Bay, Hervey Bay, the Gulf of Carpentaria, and Western Australia's Shark Bay, Ningaloo, and Exmouth Gulf.

Large scale monitoring of dugong populations across northern Australia

Scientists are equipping Indigenous rangers with drone survey skills, alongside helicopter and boat-based surveys, to map dugongs in connection to their seagrass habitats.

Local scale mapping of dugongs and seagrass habitats

We are investigating the amount of grazing in meadows by turtles and dugongs, and its potential to impact the seagrass.

Impacts of turtle and dugong grazing on seagrass meadows