Revised Dugong Questionnaire Survey & Upload File and New Short Questionnaire Available

Abu Dhabi, 28 February 2016 – A revised version of the Standardised Dugong Catch/Bycatch Questionnaire and Upload File is now available along with a new shorter version of the Questionnaire. 

The revised Questionnaire has been updated to reflect the lessons learnt through the use of the Questionnaire since its release, however the changes are minimal and mostly to the order and logic of some questions. The Upload File has undergone a major review and includes a number of bug fixes. 

Releasing the revised versions will not restrict anyone from using the older versions of the Questionnaire and Upload file. Please note the September 2012 version of the Project Manual is still current.

The interview-based survey can be used to help identify important dugong areas as well as the threats to their existence. The survey is designed to collect data not only for dugongs, but also other marine mammals and sea turtles. It can also be adapted for other species such as manatees. The conduct of standardized, culturally appropriate surveys which yield statistically robust results can be done quickly, efficiently and very cost-effectively.

See also the news story on the first release of the Questionnaire from May 2010.