The study highlighted the natural heritage and socio-economic potential of large dugong herds off the southeastern coast of Bahrain.  The study took place from 2020 to 2021.  It implemented a multidisciplinary approach encompassing historical record assessment, structured interviews, an occupancy modelling framework, remote sensing and geographical information system (GIS), a citizen science network, opportunistic boat-based and aerial surveys, water quality monitoring, and ecological seagrass surveys.  Drone video footage conducted on 15 February 2021 off the northeast of Hawar Islands revealed a group of 696 dugongs.  This group outnumbers the sizeable group reported in 1986 in Bahrain (674 dugongs).  The study also included a wide range of interviews with fishermen and local communities to identify potential threats and challenges in regard to the conservation of the dugong herd.