Dugongs in Ceylon

The Ceylon Government, in February 1970, gave the dugong complete protection. Nevertheless, the authors conclude, following their three-month investigation this year, that this valuable and once abundant marine mammal is in grave danger in Ceylon, largely as a result of the intensive fishing with modern equipment, notably the nylon nets in which many dugongs are accidentally drowned. As the dugongs are confined to waters off the northwestern coast of Ceylon, they suggest that these nets be forbidden in the area and that it should become, in effect, a sanctuary for the dugong and a marine extension of the Wilpattu National Park.