A new study in Frontiers in Marine Science reveals that dugongs significantly boost the carbon capture capacity of seagrass meadows. In Bahrain, the presence of these marine mammals could more than double the amount of CO2 stored compared to similar areas without them. This research highlights the importance of integrating megafauna into blue carbon strategies. By protecting dugongs, conservationists can safeguard natural systems that store millions of tonnes of carbon in ocean sediments, enhancing coastal resilience and climate mitigation.
