Fed: Commercial trade in dugongs banned

AAP General News (Australia)
04-21-2000
Fed: Commercial trade in dugongs banned

Australia's dugong population has been further protected by an international ban on
commercial trade in dugong meat and other products.

Environment Minister ROBERT HILL says the ban will close the last loophole in dugong protection.

The ban has been approved by parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Senator HILL says all dugong populations apart from Australia's are listed under the
convention and there's been reports of illegal trade in dugong meat, claiming the products
come from Australia.

He says this will no longer be possible, thanks to the acceptance of the Australian proposal.

Australia already has legislation outlawing domestic dugong trade.

AAP RTV kmh/msk/smf/wz `

KEYWORD: DUGONGS (CANBERRA)

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