Dead dugong discovered at Inskip point by beachgoer

Just weeks after ‘thousands’ of fish were discovered washed up and dying at Double Island Point, another marine animal has mysteriously washed up on Gympie’s coastline. WARNING DISTRESSING CONTENT.

A young dugong, one of Australia’s endangered marine species, was mysteriously found dead and washed up at Inskip over the weekend.

A Department of Environment and science (DES) spokesperson said the dugong was an adolescent male.

“There were no signs of external injuries and the dugong carcass has started to decompose which indicates that in may have been deceased for a few days,” they said.

WARNING DISTRESSING CONTENT: A dugong was discovered washed up on Inskip's beach over the weekend. Photo: The Ice Man on Facebook

The cause of death was also yet to be determined, but residents on social media speculated it may be linked to a mass killing of fish at Double Island Point on September 21, discovered by a Teewah fisherman.

The majestic sea mammal was discovered by the Gympie region’s Ice Man, who took to social media on Sunday to share the upsetting sight.

“The dugong is listed as a vulnerable species, can live up to 70 years and only reproduces every three to seven,” he wrote.

“Another magic species we are so lucky to have habitat this area.”

Australian Marine Conservation Society marine campaigner Katie Walters said dugongs were protected under Queensland and Australia’s environment laws.

“Dugongs … are subject to a variety of threats,” she said.

“Dugongs are easily entangled in commercial gillnets where they can quickly drown, water pollution can smother and kill their seagrass food source, and collisions with boats are all major threats.”

In May 2021, a dead baby dugong washed ashore in Moreton Bay at Scott’s Point Beach in Woody Point, said to be a result of being hit on the head by a boat.

Dugongs are frequently seen throughout Tin Can Bay and on the Fraser Coast.