Fishery and Dugong Bycatch Problem in the Dungonab Bay Marine Protected Area on the Northern Sudanese Red Sea Coast

A key finding from this study is that gillnet fishing, particularly around seagrass beds at night, is the primary cause of dugong bycatch in Dungonab Bay Marine Protected Area. The research analyzed 77 fishing grounds, revealing that 84% were shallower than 30 meters and 70% had coral reef substrates, indicating a focus on shallow-water species. While deeper waters (40-50m) are home to high-value fish like the spotted bigeye (Plectropomus maculatus), limited fishing technology and environmental constraints—such as strong winds and summer heat—restrict access. The study suggests that natural restrictions on fishing, combined with stakeholder agreements to avoid gillnets near seagrass beds or halt fishing upon dugong sightings, could foster sustainable coexistence between fisheries and dugong conservation.

NAKAMURA, R., & ADEL, M. S. (2015). Fishery and Dugong Bycatch Problem in the Dungonab Bay Marine Protected Area on the Northern Sudanese Red Sea Coast. Journal of African Studies, 2015(87), 77–90. https://doi.org/10.11619/africa.2015.87_77