Following recently reported dugong deaths in Palawan, authorities and conservationists are now turning attention to gaps in enforcement and protection measures in coastal areas where the endangered species thrives.
Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) Staff spokesperson Jovic Fabello said the two recorded deaths this year, caused by boat strikes and net entanglement, reflect broader risks tied to increasing human activity in shallow marine habitats.
“Ang cause of death niya ay net strangling and boat strike… last April 9, mayroon din tayong dugong death sa Barangay Lahala, Coron, Palawan. Ang cause of death niya ay boat strike din,” Fabello said.
The incidents, including one in Barangay San Rafael in Puerto Princesa City and another in Barangay Lahala, Coron, have already been documented, but Fabello warned that additional cases may go unreported.
He said dugongs depend on seagrass ecosystems located in shallow coastal waters, placing them in direct overlap with fishing and marine transport routes.
“Pwedeng climate change, but I think mas madalas na reason is dependent kasi ang dugong sa seagrass ecosystem… ang lusayan ito yung mga damo sa dagat ay kadalasang nasa coastal waters,” he said.
Fabello emphasized that while Palawan remains a critical habitat, limited manpower and funding among local government units continue to hinder effective conservation enforcement.
“LGUs wala ring enough staffing at funding to facilitate enforcement and conservation programs for endangered species. Kulang pa ang attention na ibinibigay para maiwasan ang ganitong mga insidente,” he added.
With the incidents already raising alarm, authorities are pushing for sustained monitoring, stricter enforcement, and stronger community awareness to prevent further dugong deaths in the province.
