WCS-India participated in the 5th edition of the WorldDugongDay celebrations, hosted by Thanjavur Forest Department, Tamil Nadu and Organization for Marine Conservation, Awareness and Research (OMCAR) Foundation. A stunning sand sculpture of a dugong was crafted on Pudupattinam beach to raise awareness about dugongs. The event included a pledge to protect dugongs, the felicitation of fishers from Palk Bay who rescued and released dugongs and sea turtles, and an art competition spreading conservation messages through creativity.
Participants included officials from the fisheries and tourism departments, Wildlife Institute of India, the National Boat Fishermen Association, Panchayat Councils, OMCAR Foundation, and other organisations involved in dugong conservation, including anti-poaching guards and college students. Surya R and Brindhaa R from the Marine Programme represented WCS-India at this event.