NESP MaC Project 3.10 - A partnership approach to filling key knowledge gaps on dugongs in

NESP Marine and Coastal Hub Project 3.10 addresses key knowledge gaps on dugong populations in northern Australia from 2023 to 2026. The project involves five activities using aerial imagery, drones, AI, and population genomics to study distribution, abundance, connectivity, and health. Outputs include spatial sighting data, imagery, genomic sequences, and technical reports.

Use Cases

• Analyzing spatial and temporal trends in dugong distribution based on aerial survey imagery and observer data.
• Assessing population connectivity and genetic structure across northern Australia based on genomic sequencing data.
• Estimating dugong body size and condition using drone-based photogrammetry imagery.
• Developing community-led monitoring frameworks based on co-designed research with Traditional Owners.

Strengths

• Project includes five distinct research activities targeting multiple knowledge gaps (distribution, abundance, genomics, health, community monitoring).
• Utilizes multiple novel technologies including aerial imagery, drones, AI, and population genomics.
• Employs a strong partnership approach with Traditional Owners and the wider community, co-designing and co-delivering outputs.

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and dataset scale are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network via data_gov_au, associated with James Cook University (JCU), Charles Darwin University (CDU), and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).

Collection Method

Data co-produced via aerial surveys (plane and drone), photogrammetry, population genomics, and community-led monitoring.

Time Range

Project period 2023-2026.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-13 19:27:56.079643; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Northern Australia, including eastern Queensland coast, Shark Bay, Ningaloo/Exmouth Gulf, and the Kimberley region.