Discovering Dugongs – More than just a Marine Mammal

Abstract:

The Sirenia is a family of eclectic and elusive large-bodied marine mammals, long confused with mermaids who beckon fishermen to their depths. The sea cows no longer exist and manatees are far from our waters, but dugongs remain a quiet resident of Southeast Asian seas – if you are ever so lucky to meet one. Mainly vegetarian seagrass consumers, these charismatic animals are emblematic of the need to conserve our coastal habitats, and especially oft-disparaged seagrass meadows. Despite their size, dugongs are speedy swimmers, voracious feeders and caring mums. This session will share tales of dugong biology, ecology, human importance and more-than-human histories.

Speaker's Profile:

Dr Serina Rahman was once a mermaid but is now serving time as a human living amongst fishermen. Determined to make amends for past follies, she now works to help the fishing community of Mukim Tg Kupang, Johor, participate in and benefit from the development in their neighbourhood. She co-founded Kelab Alami in 2008 with Shalan Jum'at, and spends most of her time sharing stories of seagrass, mangroves and marine critters. A conservation scientist by training, Dr Serina lectures at the Department of Southeast Asian Studies, National University of Singapore, and is also an Associate Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. Her research interests include seagrass human-habitat interactions, (un)sustainable development, rural politics, religion and magic. She is Malaysia’s Ambassador for Citizen Science, an Iskandar Malaysia Social Hero Award Winner for Environmental Protection (2014) and was highlighted in 2021 as an Asian Climate Warrior on Channel News Asia.