Dr. Dupont is a marine biologist working in Qatar to learn more about the dugong's presence in the Arabian Gulf.  Some of the interesting things learned include: the dugong is most closely related to the elephant.  An adult is approximately 3m long and the oldest specimen found to date was 73 years old.  They weigh about 600kg and can hold their breath for up 8 minutes underwater.  

There are an estimated 6000 dugongs believed to live in the gulf but scientists need to collect more  data to understand the movement, behaviour, breeding and feeding habits of the dugong so protective measures can be put in place to help ensure its survival.