Vanuatu dugong sightings recorded during CMS dugong catch / by-catch standardised questionnaire 2015-2017

Study Extent

Sightings of dugongs throughout Vanuatu

Sampling

These sightings of dugongs are where local communities members say they have seen dugongs during interviews for the CMS dugong catch/ by catch standardised questionnaire. The questionnaire survey was conducted between 2015 and 2017. Sightings were where people remembered seeing dugongs in their lifetimes and some of the dates may not be accurate. The locations of the sightings were drawn onto paper maps and them transcribed to Google earth, hence they may not be accurate.

Method steps

1. Students and new graduates were training in how to conduct the CMS dugong catch /by-catch standardised questionnaire. the survey team traveled throughout Vanuatu conducting the questionnaire. The responses were collected on paper and then transcribed into an excel spreadsheet when back in the VESS office. Sightings and areas were drawn on paper maps during the questionnaire and transcribed to google earth once back at the office.

Dugongs

1. Dugong dugon
   common name: dugong rank: species

Vanuatu