The Dugong (sea cow) population on Côn Đảo Island, HCM City is experiencing a sharp decline. — Photo Courtesy of Côn Đảo National Park

HCM CITY — The Dugong (sea cow) population on HCM City’s Côn Đảo Island, the only known habitat of the species in Việt Nam, is facing an alarming decline and could disappear entirely without timely intervention, according to conservation experts and local authorities.

The Côn Đảo National Park Management Board has reported a series of Dugong deaths since the beginning of 2025 and has sought technical support from the city’s Department of Science and Technology to identify the causes and recommend urgent protection measures.

Known in folklore as the “mermaid of the sea,” the Dugong is a gentle marine mammal that depends almost entirely on seagrass for food.

Its presence is not only an indicator of the health of marine ecosystems but also part of the country’s natural heritage.

Once found in several coastal areas of the country, Dugongs are now only recorded in the waters surrounding Côn Đảo, making the archipelago their last refuge in the country.

Protecting habitats, regulating human activities

The Dugong is classified as “Vulnerable” on the 2023 IUCN Red List and is listed among species prioritised for protection under Government Decree No. 64/2019.

Globally, its populations have been declining rapidly due to habitat degradation, pollution, boat collisions, entanglement in fishing gear and, in some cases, illegal hunting.

Côn Đảo currently hosts only a small Dugong population, concentrated mainly in shallow waters around Bến Đầm, Côn Sơn Bay, and Bảy Cạnh Islet.

A survey by the Institute of Marine Environment and Resources in 2023 estimated just 12 Dugongs remained.

However, since early this year, four Dugongs have been found dead, with the causes still under investigation.

Experts warn that the survival of Dugongs is closely linked to the health of seagrass beds, their sole food source.

Côn Đảo once had over 329 hectares of seagrass across 12 locations.

By 2022, however, seagrass was recorded in only two areas, including Côn Sơn Bay and Bảy Cạnh Islet.

This severe loss of habitat is largely attributed to pollution, unregulated tourism activities, and destructive fishing practices.

Director of Côn Đảo National Park Nguyễn Khắc Pho said efforts to protect and restore seagrass meadows are at the heart of Dugong conservation.

“Improving water quality by strictly managing plastic waste, sewage, and other pollutants is essential for seagrass recovery,” he said.

Conservationists stress the importance of regulating human activities in Dugong habitats.

Establishing strictly protected zones, restricting bottom trawling and gill nets, and imposing speed limits on tourist boats are among the urgent measures being recommended.

Support for fishermen to adopt environmentally friendly gear and training on how to respond if Dugongs are accidentally caught could reduce fatalities.

Developing alternative livelihoods, such as responsible eco-tourism, is also seen as a way to engage local communities in conservation.

Nguyễn Văn Quân, director of the Institute of Marine Environment and Resources, said management and conservation efforts have not achieved significant breakthroughs because communities have not been fully involved.

“Biodiversity management must engage the people who live closest to these ecosystems,” he said.

He proposed a community-based conservation model for Côn Đảo, along with the establishment of a Dugong rescue centre on the island.

“With the rising number of boats for tourism and fishing, accidents and bycatch are inevitable.”

A dedicated centre could treat and rehabilitate Dugongs and other marine animals such as turtles, dolphins and whales, while also serving as a hub for research and education, he said.

Community-led eco-friendly practices hold the key to protecting the Dugong population in Côn Đảo Island of HCM City. — Photo Courtesy of Côn Đảo National Park

Raising awareness, international cooperation

Experts agree that protecting Dugongs is not only the responsibility of scientists and authorities but also requires broader public participation.

Environmental education campaigns targeting schools and local communities in Côn Đảo could foster greater awareness of the Dugong’s ecological importance, particularly among young people.

International cooperation is also regarded as crucial for long-term success.

Việt Nam could learn from countries such as Australia, Thailand and the Philippines, which have implemented effective Dugong conservation strategies.

Partnerships with global organisations, including the IUCN and WWF, would provide both expertise and financial resources.

Modern technologies, such as satellite tagging and drone monitoring, could help track Dugong movements and better understand their behaviour, providing data to design more precise conservation strategies.

Despite the challenges, conservationists remain cautiously hopeful.

“The Dugong is more than just a species. It symbolises the health of the marine environment and the responsibility we share in protecting it,” Quân said.

The fate of the country’s last Dugong population is now hanging in the balance.

Saving Dugongs will require coordinated action: restoring seagrass habitats, regulating human activity, involving communities, and strengthening international collaboration.

For Côn Đảo, the race is on to ensure that its Dugongs not only survive but can thrive, safeguarding a priceless part of the nation’s natural heritage for future generations. — VNS