There has been much glad-handing about the decision of the International Court in the case of the Japanese whalers. As we here in Australia have maintained a strong presence in this case we have taken credit for at least some of the result. So we should, the outcome is good so that’s right and proper.
There is however strong evidence that maybe we should focus our attention closer to home and straighten out some of the issues that we have in our own backyard before we go tramping around the world shouting at others for their behaviour.
Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are the last remaining member of the Digonidae family. All other members have been hunted to extinction. If you have ever seen a herd of dugongs you can’t help but be entranced by their placid nature and their apt common name of “Sea Cow”. They graze, just as cows do, and inhabit the Northern Waters of our country.
From the late 19th century until well into the 20th century Dugongs were hunted for commercial reasons right up and down the east coast of Australia. Products were developed from their oil and their meat was considered a luxury. Their bones were made into charcoal which was considered the optimum for use in refining sugar. Salves and ointments were used to cure a multitude of complaints and there is evidence that our troops used it for aiding gas induced injuries during the first world war.
Dugongs are now a threatened species as their numbers border on unsustainable after the massive slaughters of the past. The dugong doesn’t live anywhere else, but here in Australia! Accordingly we are the custodians of this animal for the world, an awesome responsibility.
So how are we doing with this task?
I think perhaps Monty Pythons crew could have handled it better. We have the great problem of Federal and State responsibilities and the iconic nature of the animal in our First Australian culture. Basically the dugong is a protected species everywhere except if you have a permit. You can hunt dugong if you are a First Australian, for sustenance using traditional hunting methods, except in Queensland where recent laws have been enacted under the cruelty to animals legislation that deems traditional hunting methods cruel. You can get a permit pretty easy and there is strong evidence of black-market commercialisation of meat.
Marine parks do not provide safety for Dugongs as poaching is rampant and enforcement negligible. Fine levels on illegal poaching in Queensland have recently been increased for $1700 to $3000. We have confliction in laws. Native Title 1993 allows for hunting and the Federal Environment Protection-Biodiversty & Conservation Act prohibits it.
So there it is a mish-mash of laws and regulations impacting some Australians and not others, some places and not others and all in all failing miserable in its major objective.
There is huge anecdotal evidence that our remaining Dugongs are under increasing threat to survival but we don’t really know because nobody counts the numbers or has any idea how many are hunted, slaughtered each year.
Maybe that is where the hypocrisy is most evident. We have the responsibility for this species in a unique way but we are unable to provide an adequate legislative base or implement adequate controls for it to ensure survival.
A sad commentary on us!
What conservation efforts should Australia be prioritising? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below…