The Environment Agency (EAD) -Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Total and Total Al Bukoosh (ABK) aims to raise awareness about the threats facing the Abu Dhabi dugong population and ensuring then a safe place to live.

Dugongs have slow movements, are of a mild and gentle nature and are prone to many threats like fishing nets and being struck on their bodies by ship propellers.

The UAE, which is home to the second largest population of dugong in the world,   has already taken several measures to protect them .These include:

Issuing Federal Law No. 23 and 24 in 1999 to prevent their exploitation.

Signing the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) agreement in 2007, which dealt with the conservation and management of dugongs.

Protecting the marine habitat of the dugong, monitoring and studying their geographical and biological distribution in UAE waters.

In addition to these ongoing efforts, the educational workshops and information campaigns are planned to be organized with a view to educate the fishing community, boat owners and the general public.