In conjunction with developing a list of priority research projects, the Dugong Research Focus Group developed the following list of performance indicators for DPAs. The research projects scoped as part of this strategy are also designed to address the need for deciding the success of DPAs, as determined by the performance indicators below. Research projects that specifically address these performance indicators are noted in brackets after each performance indicator.

1. Decline in the number of dugong carcasses reported (given constant or increased monitoring and public awareness) (Projects 6, 14, 18, 19, 20).
2. Reduction in illegal net fishing and hunting especially in DPAs and adjacent areas (Projects 13, 15, 16)*.
3. No increase in set and drift netting effort in DPAs and adjacent areas (Project 12).
4. All set and drift net fishermen to have completed an endangered species awareness course*.
5. An increase in awareness of, and compliance with, boating restrictions and code of practice in Hinchinbrook DPA (Projects 5, 21)*.

1. Dugong numbers in the southern Great Barrier Reef and Hervey Bay do not decline below 1994 levels and continue to increase in the long-term to above 1986–87 levels (Projects 1, 3, 4, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16,22).
2. Distribution patterns in the southern Great Barrier Reef and Hervey Bay are at least maintained at 1986–87 patterns and the proportion of dugongs in DPAs is maintained or increased (Projects 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 17, 22).
3. Maintenance of community composition, productivity and distribution of seagrass beds, particularly in DPAs (Projects 2, 5).

* Note: The incidence of illegal hunting and net fishing will be addressed through a surveillance and enforcement program being developed elsewhere. Also, the endangered species awareness course and boating restrictions in the Hinchinbrook DPA will be addressed elsewhere through an education and extension program.

A list of research proposals scoped as part of this strategy and the performance indicators they address is outlined in the next section of this report. At the time of writing, some of these projects had commenced. These are noted in the ‘Comments’ section adjacent to the project titles.