Footage has been captured of the stranded Dugong in the Macleay River at Stuarts Point (north of South West Rocks).
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On Friday authorities revealed their plans to attempt to capture then relocate the stranded animal to Sea World on the Gold Coast where it could be rehabilitated and released.
Dugongs prefer warmer water than that of the Macleay River.
“There are grave concerns for the dugong as they typically live in warmer water, and cannot survive in the longer term at this low water temperature, so leaving the animal in situ is not a long-term option,” a National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) representative explained.
A pair of dugongs was spotted in the estuary up to six weeks ago with one (believed to be a lactating female) found dead last weekend...full story here.
The remaining dugong is approximately 2 metres which indicates it is mature enough to feed on sea grass (which occurs in the Macleay estuary).
Vice president of ORRCA (Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia) Shona Lorigan urges the community to keep their distance and admits any relocation will be complicated.
“It is going to be very very stressful.”
She urges anybody with information or photos to contact ORRCA’s hotline on 9415 3333.
Janine Watson
Group digital journalist for the NSW Mid North Coast covering Forster to Bellingen, Wauchope and beyond.
Group digital journalist for the NSW Mid North Coast covering Forster to Bellingen, Wauchope and beyond.
