Mersing:Proposed regulations for a 1,700 square kilometre dugong sanctuary in Mersing waters are currently under review by the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) as authorities aim to minimize deaths caused by boat strikes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johor Fisheries Department director Rosmawati Ghazali stated that the proposed measures include requiring boats to reduce speed when navigating through the sanctuary. This is intended to mitigate the risk of dugongs being struck by boat propellers, which is a major cause of fatalities. Dugongs need to surface to breathe every two hours, and strikes to the neck, where major arteries are located, are often fatal.

Rosmawati noted that one dugong death was reported at Tanjung Leman this year, compared to three last year, which included two calves and an adult. The causes of death were believed to be boat propellers or fishing net entanglements. She expressed concern that the actual number of fatalities might be higher due to unreported cases as carcasses may drift to remote locations.

The Mersing waters are estimated to host around 100 dugongs, based on studies by marine mammal research groups such as MareCet and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. These estimates are derived from quadrat counts and sightings, with drones frequently employed to aid in spotting the elusive creatures.

In addition to dugong conservation, Rosmawati highlighted efforts to protect marine life with a 1,500 square kilometre lobster refugia around Pulau Aur. Fishing restrictions in this area include a closed season from December to February and a requirement to release lobsters with a carapace measuring less than six centimetres, as well as egg-bearing females. These measures aim to raise awareness among local fishermen about sustainable fishing practices.