Hey ocean lovers 🌊, big news from the Nansha Islands: dugongs have been spotted near Yongshu Reef! These national first-class protected animals, often nicknamed 'mermaids of the sea,' are back in action after being declared functionally extinct along the Chinese mainland coast in 2022.
Since mid-July, the environmental authority on Yongshu Reef teamed up with researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences to keep tabs on the coastal waters. Thanks to their continuous monitoring, we now have proof of these gentle giants gliding through seagrass beds just off the reef.
Dugongs rank among the world's oldest marine mammals and are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Their comeback is a huge win for conservation and shows how focused efforts1like protecting critical habitats and strict monitoringcan make waves 🌊🐋.
Looking ahead, the environmental authority and research center will keep collaborating to gather more data and boost science-backed protection for island and reef ecosystems. Think of it as a squad mission to safeguard our underwater realms! 🛡️🌿
Stay tuned for more updates on this epic marine reunion and what it means for ocean life across South and Southeast Asia. After all, healthy reefs = happy seas, and happy seas = happy us! 😉
Reference(s):
Dugongs make a return to waters near Yongshu Reef in Nansha Islands
cgtn.com
