Photo: Supplied.
RANGER STACEY THOMSON IS PRINCIPAL ADVISER – COMMUNITY EDUCATION (REDLAND CITY COUNCIL)
It was a wild encounter I will never forget!
Many years ago, while filming for Totally Wild, the unexpected happened. We were searching for sea turtles in Moreton Bay on a picture-perfect day when, suddenly, huge oval-shaped shadows began to appear beneath the calm turquoise water. We soon realised a huge herd of dugongs (Dugong dugon) was all around us!
Without hesitation, the boat’s skipper shut down the motor as we floated in silence and awe. One by one these gentle giants drifted to the surface for a breath of fresh air with massive flared nostrils … while I tried to internalise my squeals of excitement.
Fast forward to my most recent career chapter with Redland City Council. The naturally wonderful Redlands Coast highlights a diverse range of spectacular environments, including Moreton Bay – home to a kaleidoscope of fish, dolphins, six out of the seven marine turtle species, and of course dugongs.
Nicknamed sea cows, dugongs graze on seagrass for up to 20 hours each day. An adult eats around 30 kilograms a day, which is why protecting their feeding grounds is vital for future survival. These marine mammals are like giant vacuum cleaners as they slowly move about the seagrass meadows, leaving telltale trails along the sea floor.
Between 800 and 1000 dugongs call Moreton Bay home. With tiny eyes and poor eyesight, their favourite food is detected through sensitive bristles on the end of their broad snout. Some might say dugongs have the kind of face only a mother could love but, like many others, I find them fascinating and adorable.
Dr Janet Lanyon was their most passionate advocate, dedicating her career to dugong research and conservation. She recently passed away and I feel honoured to have filmed several stories together over the past couple of decades. Dr Lanyon was at the helm of the world’s largest dugong health assessment program in Moreton Bay. Earlier this year, she spoke about her life’s work at the Women and Girls in Science breakfast at IndigiScapes.
Dr Lanyon leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future scientists and nature lovers.
Through simple actions, we can help conserve the dugongs that live in our bay backyard, as well as the precious seagrass sanctuaries they rely on.
- ‘Go slow for those below’ when boating
- Anchor wisely – away from seagrass beds
- Report sightings, especially sick, injured, or dead animals
1300 130 372
Until next time … Stay Wild!
Ranger Stacey
