R1 a fave “stranding hot spot”
FOR SEA MAMMALS
IN the past five years, more than 50 sea mammals, some of them rare or endangered, had been stranded in the coastal areas in Region 1, making it a “stranding hot spot”.
But the good news is, according to Nestor Domenden, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 1 director, awareness and involvement of the people is high in terms of reporting stranding incidents to the authorities.
A training was recently conducted by BFAR and the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network that advocates the protection of marine mammals, educate society about their importance, encourage active reporting of their sightings and to help out in taking care of them in case of stranding.
Domenden said Region 1’s record is based on reports made by the people, which also serves as proof of their concern.
“They also take care of stranded animals who are either alive or wounded,” he added.
Domenden noted that other areas may not have a high number of reported cases because the people in the coastal communities do not bother to call the attention of the authorities.
Those found dead in Region 1 are buried in the locality where it was found while others are brought to the Fish Cemetery at the BFAR compound in Dagupan City.
HURT CREATURES
Domenden said these species, mostly dolphins, giant sea turtles or whale sharks may have been hurt in other areas and swam with the current until they reach the Ilocos region coastal waters.
Others that were found stranded were already weak as they have ingested non-biodegradable materials like plastic materials, he added.
The survival rate of stranded sea mammals is low, especially when these are already weak or wounded, thus transporting them is not advisable, he explained.
BFAR has devised an improvised mobile cage placed in the sea where stranded sea animals are taken care of until they recover and can be released back to their natural habitat.
A recently stranded dolphin was set to be released anytime in Ilocos Norte, Domenden said.—Tita Roces
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