Retrospective estimates of historic abundances and distributions of marine organisms are
crucial to understanding the anthropogenic impacts on the structure and species of coastal
ecosystems, especially in the case of vulnerable species such as the Dugong (Dugong
dugon). The Persian/Arabian Gulf is home to the second largest Dugong population in the
world, yet little is known about their current or past abundance, distribution, and ecological
role. Here, we examine historical changes in dugong distribution and estimate perceived …