Tucked on the western side of the Red Sea, Marsa Alam is a treasure in Egypt’s crown, known for its immaculate beaches and magnificent coral reefs. Still, one of its most fascinating finds is the gentle and secretive sea cow, sometimes referred to scientifically as the dugong. Often referred to as the “cow of the sea,” this marine animal is a rare and intriguing visitor of Marsa Alam’s coastal seas.
Marsa Alam’s Unique Sea Cow: The Gentle Herbivore of the Sea
Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are members of the Sirenia order, which also includes manatees. Up to three meters in length and weighing more than 400 kg, these amazing animals have thick bodies, flippers, and whale-like tails. Digested mostly on seagrasses in shallow coastal areas, dugongs are strict herbivores, unlike many marine life.
Their grazing patterns have earned them the moniker “sea cows,” since they are vital for preserving the health of seagrass beds, just as terrestrial cows shape grasslands. This helps not only the survival of the dugongs but also many other marine life depending on these underwater meadows.
Marsa Alam’s unique sea cow is a rare and vulnerable species.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) rates dugongs as vulnerable. Hunting, unintentional catch in fishing gear, and habitat damage have been driving down their numbers. But Marsa Alam offers a somewhat safe refuge where these soft giants might flourish.
Marsa Alam’s surrounding seas form part of a marine protected area, therefore preserving the habitat of the dugongs against overfishing and harmful human activities. Local communities and international groups cooperating to guarantee the dugong’s survival help support conservation initiatives.
A Unique Attraction for Eco-Tourists
Seeing a dugong in its native habitat is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for eco-tourists and marine aficionados. Marsa Alam presents various chances for ethical watching of wild life. Carefully controlled snorkelling and diving trips help to reduce human influence on the dugongs and their habitat.
The calm presence of these animals as they glide elegantly across the water, grazing on seagrass, often fascinates visitors. These interactions help one develop a strong respect of the need of marine preservation and the necessity of safeguarding these fragile species.
The Importance of Conservation
Conserving the dugongs of Marsa Alam is about conserving the health of an entire ecosystem, not only about saving one species. For carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and habitat for many marine life, seagrass beds—which dugongs rely on—are absolutely essential.
Marsa Alam’s conservation projects show the careful equilibrium needed to maintain marine life. They serve as a reminder of how much our actions—positive as well as negative—have affected the environment.
