Date: 21 October 1999 3:45
Subject: [stranding-announce] Saunders Beach Dugong, second announcement


Following is the text of a QPWS/GBRMPA Marine Parks Media Release, issued
earlier today.

DUGONG CARCASS HAD KNIFE-LIKE MARKS
21/10/99

Marine Parks agencies have expressed concern that the body of a dugong found washed up on Saunders Beach on Saturday had several marks that were clearly caused by a person using a knife or similar instrument.

Further investigation has revealed extensive knife-like marks on the carcass, which are distinguishable from the shark bites.  Both flippers and flesh from the head were deliberately removed by a person.

"The damage is certainly not consistent with traditional hunting, and is more extensive than would be expected if someone were simply trying to remove a dugong from some kind of net ", said Virginia Chadwick, Chair of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.  "The cuts are consistent with someone trying to remove evidence that the dugong may have died in a net."

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Regional Manager John Hicks said dugongs were protected wildlife under Queensland legislation.

"If a dugong is killed or mortally injured by accident during the course of a lawful activity, the Queensland Nature Conservation (Dugong) Conservation Plan 1999 requires that it be reported immediately to a conservation
officer", noted Mr Hicks.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service are appealing to fishers, boat operators and others who may unintentionally harm or kill dugongs, or who may find dead or injured dugongs (or other marine wildlife), to report them immediately to the Marine Animal Hotline on 1300 360898.

Scientific examination of dead animals can identify causes of death, reveal types and rates of diseases and injuries, establish reproductive rates and provide other vital information.

Dr Cheri A Recchia
Project Manager
Conservation, Biodiversity and World Heritage Group
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

Dugong dead at Saunders Beach, 16 October 1999

At approximately 8:15 am on Saturday October 16, QPWS received a report of a dead dugong at Saunders Beach, approximately 37 km north of Townsville.  QPWS officers transported the animal to James Cook University (JCU) for a postmortem examination by experts from JCU, DPI's Oonoonba Veterinary Laboratory, GBRMPA and QPWS.

The animal was a mature male.  The carcass had fairly extensive damage from apparent shark bites.  It was missing the tail, but the remains measured 197 cm long.  From the size of the animal and the presence of erupted, well-worn tusks, the dugong was estimated to have been at least 10 years old, and possibly much older.

Gross examination suggested that the animal was healthy prior to death.  Samples were taken for additional testing, including confirmation of age and analysis of levels of pollutants.  Investigation into the cause of death is ongoing.


Dr Cheri A Recchia
Project Manager
Conservation, Biodiversity and World Heritage Group
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority