Bazaruto Dugong Protection Project

Dugongs are one of the world's most endangered marine mammals. Along the whole of the East African coast, for instance, only one population breeds successfully. These gentle giants live in Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago National Park. Today they number only 250 individuals, who must run the gauntlet of illegal fishing in this marine park – they can drown accidentally in the fishermen’s nets. The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) has been helping to protect these Dugongs for the last three years. Here Karen Allen runs the EWT’s Dugong project alongside the park's 28-strong team of law enforcement officers. Together they have helped to curb illegal fishing in the park, as well carrying out other conservations measures, which ultimately protects Dugongs. Their dedication has seen a sharp reduction in the number of Dugongs that have died recently (only one Dugong is known to have died in over a year now) – in fact, with the EWT’s support, the national park now boasts the best law enforcement in any of Mozambique’s marine protected areas. Watch this video to see the important work the EWT is involved in. www.ewt.org.za