November 1 and 2 in Dagupan City were not only reserved for departed souls of relatives and friends, but also for ‘special friends’.

The departed sea creatures of various species who were interred in the Fish Cemetery at the sprawling 24-hectare complex of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Barangay Bonuan Binloc, Dagupan City were remembered.

Dr. Westly Rosario, BFAR center chief and interim executive director of the National Fish Research Development Institute, said the cemetery which has been expanded from 80 square meters to 1,000 square meters was also cleaned and spruced up to welcome those who care to remember the sea creatures who died owing to man’s cruelty and greed.

This year, BFAR personnel constructed a lagoon beside the Fish Cemetery with lotus plants around. Perimeter rocks surrounding the graves were also re-painted.

Early on, driftwoods, cactus and katuray (vegetable hummingbird) plants and colorful edible flowers around the cemetery were used to adorn the cemetery.

In the midst of the preparation, Rosario said local and foreign visitors, usually marine animal lovers, do come on November 1 and 2 for All Saints Day and All Souls Day respectively to visit the fish graves and say prayers.

Buried at the cemetery are 13 marine species, like seven long-snouted spinner dolphins, two whales, one Risso’s dolphin and a giant sea turtle.

Each grave has a marker bearing a pet ‘name’, scientific name, estimated weight of buried fish before it died, and the date of death.

Soon, pictures of what these marine creatures look like will be placed on their graves.

These sea creatures were found beached or stranded mostly along the Lingayen Gulf and died while undergoing treatment for injuries they sustained.

Rosario said they did not die in vain because they have created awareness among the people about wildlife protection.

Nine years after the Fish Cemetery was established, residents living on the beach have learned to promptly report to BFAR sightings of stranded dolphins, giant sea turtles and other endangered species in an effort to save them.

The beached creatures were normally quickly butchered in the past.

Rosario came up with the idea of setting up a fish cemetery when a 1.2 ton whale was confiscated in Malabon, Metro Manila by BFAR personnel in the central office sometime February 1999.

Since there was no facility to keep the huge dead animal, it was brought to BFAR here for disposal. Since then, other big sea creatures found their resting place in this city .#

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments