Dugongs die in abandoned fishing net off Cairns, Australia

Daniel Bateman, The Cairns Post 24 Apr 10;

A CAIRNS navy vessel delayed its journey to Cooktown to participate in an Anzac Day service after crew spotted four dugongs trapped in a net off Cairns yesterday.
Three of the dugongs pulled from the water were dead, while a fourth was still alive and released back into the water by navy crew.

A shovel nosed shark also trapped in the net was freed as well.

Conservationists have applauded the crew’s actions but branded the killings a dark day for Far North Queensland’s wildlife.

Two of the dead dugongs were about 2m long while the largest to have died measured 3m, indicating it was a mature adult capable of breeding.
The landing vessel HMAS Labuan had just left port bound for Cooktown when the trapped animals were spotted by crew about 3.5 nautical miles offshore around 3pm.

Lt Steven Noakes said rough weather had created difficult conditions for the rescue.

While one of the dugongs was able to be saved, Lt Noakes said some of his crew were greatly upset by the kills.

"They’re a great bunch of guys and I think there will be some guys on board who will feel a bit disappointed to see what we’ve got here today," he said.

"It’s obviously very upsetting."

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers met the vessel at port and hoisted the three dead dugongs on to the back of a truck to be taken away for an autopsy.

The net appeared to be a fishing net which, given the tide and wind, was presumed to have drifted out from the Cairns harbour.

Department of Environment and Resource Management regional marine manager Richard Quincey said the department would work with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the Royal Australian Navy and Fisheries to investigate the incident further.

Cairns and Far North Environment Centre co-ordinator Steve Ryan described the incident as a disaster.

More photos of the dugong deaths.

Queensland government investigates dugong net
Darren Cartwright Sydney Morning Herald 25 Apr 10;

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AAP

Queensland authorities are investigating the origins of a net used to trap and kill three dugong off Cairns.

Sailors aboard HMAS Labuan discovered the net and trapped dugongs on Friday.

They released one live dugong and brought the three dead ones ashore.

Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said several government departments were attempting to trace the origins of the net.

"The investigation into the incident is continuing with a number of government agencies involved," Ms Jones told AAP.

"If there is any evidence that there is a breach of the legislation then we will be using the full force of the law to take action.

"The investigation includes analysing the net and testing the dugongs as well."

Queensland Seafood Industry Association president Michael Gardiner said the net did not belong to commercial or professional fishermen.

"I want to make it very clear that this net and these dugong have nothing whatsoever to do with commercial fishermen," Mr Gardner said.

"I think most people in the Cairns region probably realise what's going on with the deliberate killing of dugong, but whenever an incident like this involves a net, commercial fishermen can still suffer some collateral damage."

He said local fishermen had confirmed the net was not of a type used by commercial fishermen and had been made specifically to catch dugong."

State opposition environment spokesman Glen Elmes said the illegal trade in dugong and turtles was rife.


Poachers blamed for death of endangered dugongs
3news.co.nz 27 Apr 10;

Illegal poachers are being blamed for the deaths of three dugong off the coast of north Queensland.

Authorities are investigating the origins of fishing nets which trapped and killed the marine mammals on Friday, The Brisbane Times reported.

Upon making the discovery, sailors were able to release one dugong but three others had already died.

State opposition environment spokesman Glen Elmes told the newspaper the endangered species were most likely destined for the black market.

“The net picked up by the navy appears to be black cotton of the type used in the illegal trade of dugong meat,” he said.

“The illegal trade in dugong and turtles is out of hand and needs to be stopped,” he said.

Queensland Seafood Industry Association president, Michael Gardiner, told the newspaper the net appeared to have been made specifically to catch dugong.”

Authorities will analyse the net as well as testing the dugong.

It is believed no more than 7500 of the vegetarian mammals remain off the Queensland coast, the newspaper reported.

Dugong kill disgusts town leader
Daniel Bateman, The Cairns Post 28 Apr 10;

AN Aboriginal leader is appalled by the deaths of three dugongs off Cairns, calling for the harshest penalty to be handed down to those involved.

The deaths of three dugongs that were trapped in a net off Cairns has triggered outrage from politicians, conservationists and the fishing industry.

The dugongs were spotted in the net about 3.5 nautical miles offshore from the city on Friday afternoon by crew onboard the navy landing vessel HMAS Labuan.

A fourth dugong trapped in the net and still alive was released back into the water by the crew.

Several Queensland authorities are investigating the origins of the net.

The net appeared to be a fishing net which, given the tide and wind, was presumed to have drifted from the Cairns harbour.

Yarrabah Mayor Percy Neal said whoever was responsible for the illegal netting should be punished to the full extent of the law.

"I don’t think that sort of nonsense should be tolerated," Cr Neal said.

"There’s only one way of catching dugongs and it’s a traditional way, not setting nets."

Cr Neal said the incident had sparked outrage across the community.

"I’m appalled," he said. "I don’t support it at all. And if there is any way of stopping these things, there should be.

"If it’s any of our people doing it, we’ll catch them.

"They should be given the highest punishment or penalties. It shouldn’t be tolerated in any society."

Fisheries Queensland, the state department responsible for regulating netting in Queensland, confirmed the mesh size of the net that entangled the dugongs on Friday was larger than permitted, making it illegal for commercial or indigenous fishers.

A department spokeswoman said the net was not marked and it was likely it was unattended, which was why it had come adrift.