03/06/2026
A community interaction program was conducted with the Beyt Dwarka fisher community on 24 May 2026.
The program aimed to communicate and translate the key outcomes of ten years of Dugong Projects research in the Gulf of Kachchh (GoK) into locally relevant conservation discussions. Major issues addressed included dugong entanglement vigilance, preventive measures during fishing activities, and the importance of exercising caution while operating in dugong and seagrass habitats located outside the Marine National Park (MNP) boundaries.
Community members reported that dugongs continue to be frequently sighted foraging in and around previously mapped habitats, indicating the continued ecological importance of these areas. Fishers also expressed concern regarding the absence of a designated safe docking area, highlighting it as a growing issue that could potentially increase the risk of dugongβfisher conflict in the near future.