TOTAL to extend funding for two years For EAD's dugong research and conservation project - Phase III

This agreement will cover the period from 2007 to 2008.

The agreement is to be signed by Mr. Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of EAD; Mr. Henry Delafon, General Manager of TOTAL ABU AL BUKHOOSH and Mr. Bernard Tramier, Executive Director of LA FONDATION D'ENTREPRISE TOTAL.

Dugongs have significant biodiversity value as one of only four species of the order Sirenia, all of which are listed as vulnerable to extinction by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The dugong has a large range of distribution that spans at least 37 countries and territories encompassing tropical, sub-tropical coastal and inland waters of the Indian and Pacific Ocean. A significant proportion of the world's dugongs occur in the Arabian Gulf. Other important areas of dugong occurrence in the Western Indian Ocean region include the Red Sea and the East African coast. The Arabian Gulf and Red Sea host an estimated population of more than 7000 dugongs, which constitutes the largest population outside Australia. About 40 percent of this population occurs in Abu Dhabi waters in the UAE making the UAE particularly significant in terms of global dugong conservation efforts.

EAD has undertaken studies on dugongs in the UAE since 1999, with funding from TOTAL. The studies of the first phase extended over a period of four years and focused on obtaining information on the abundance, distribution and the conservation status of dugongs in UAE. The studies of the second phase were expanded to include biological and ecological aspects and stock structure of the species. The results of these studies have been instrumental in preparing the conservation plan for the species as well as fostering regional cooperation among dugong range states by developing a Memorandum of Understanding on regional dugong conservation.
The elevated pace of economic development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, particularly in coastal areas adds more impetus towards efforts for continued monitoring of dugong populations in the Emirate.

'If the dugong and its associated species and habitats are to survive and maintain their role as an important part of our environment, we need to ensure that we do not only implement the conservation measures adopted, but also continue to remain alert through continued research and enhancement of public awareness of the species particularly within the Arabian Gulf and Western Indian Ocean region,' said Mr. Al Mansouri.

The key deliverables of phase III include:
1. Continued assessment of the status of dugong population through monitoring.
2. Time series information on dugong population and habitats.
3. Improved information on seasonal distribution of dugongs in relation to habitat parameters.
4. Fully operational management plan for conservation of dugongs.
5. Improved data on dugong biology, behavior and movement pattern.
6. Regional Memorandum of Understanding on dugong conservation.