The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) is reviewing proposed regulations for the 1,700-square-kilometer dugong sanctuary in the waters off Mersing, Johor, as authorities aim to reduce the incidence of dugong deaths caused by boat strikes. The review follows concerns raised about collisions between vessels and these marine mammals, which require surfacing to breathe every two hours.

Johor Fisheries Department director Rosmawati Ghazali said the suggested measures include imposing speed limits for boats navigating the sanctuary to lower the risk of propeller-related injuries. “Most dugong fatalities recorded have been linked to boat propeller strikes,” she explained. While dugongs can sometimes recover from body injuries, strikes to the neck often prove fatal, highlighting the need for operators to slow down vessels within the protected area.

This year, one dugong death was reported near Tanjung Leman, compared with three last year involving two calves and an adult. Officials have attributed these deaths either to collisions with boats or entanglement in fishing nets. However, Rosmawati noted that the actual number of deaths could be higher, as carcasses may drift away to isolated locations and remain unreported.

Studies conducted by the marine mammal research organization MareCet, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and other collaborators estimate the dugong population in Mersing waters at approximately 100 individuals. Pulau Sibu, within the sanctuary, is a key habitat, featuring extensive seagrass beds that sustain the marine species. A dugong was recently sighted surfacing near Pulau Sibu in August, underscoring the area’s ecological importance.

In addition to dugong conservation, Johor’s marine protection initiatives also encompass a 1,500-square-kilometer lobster refugia around Pulau Aur. Fishing in this designated area is regulated through seasonal restrictions, including a closed season from December to February. Furthermore, regulations require the release of lobsters measuring less than 6 centimeters in carapace length and all egg-bearing females to support sustainable fisheries management.

The AGC’s review of the proposed dugong sanctuary regulations represents an ongoing effort to balance marine conservation objectives with local maritime activities, aiming to enhance protection for vulnerable species in Johor’s coastal waters.