Asmara — Eritrea signed memorandum of understanding regarding the conservation of dugong in tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, Red Sea and western Pacific oceans. The memorandum that was signed in Abu Dhabi is aimed at coordinating conservation activities both at the national and regional level.

Dugong is a large marine mammal that feeds on water plants and often moves from place to place either in pairs or small groups. This harmless sea animal is believed to be nearing extinction, according to reports.

Eritrea is making relentless efforts to conserve marine biodiversity in general and sea mammals in particular. To this end, it has adopted proclamations and set up efficient information system in this domain.

Preliminary studies so far conducted reveal that there are 300 to 400 dugongs in the Eritrean Red Sea waters. It is to be recalled that Eritrea signed the memorandum of understanding in 2006 as regards to the conservation of sea turtles.