In a distressing development in Bais City, Negros Oriental, the discovery of two additional deceased dolphins has escalated the total count of dolphin deaths to five. The tragedy unfolded after a mass stranding event, with authorities pointing to blast trauma as the likely cause of death for these marine mammals.
Dr. Melanie Pescadilla, the city’s veterinarian, disclosed that necropsies conducted on four of the dolphins revealed severe lung lacerations, indicative of injuries from intense underwater pressure or explosive blasts. ‘The dolphins succumbed to drowning as a result of blast trauma,’ Pescadilla explained, highlighting the vulnerability of dolphins due to their auditory organs being close to their lungs.
The dolphins, identified as pantropical spotted dolphins, were found over several days, with three discovered on Sunday, one on Monday, and the latest on Tuesday. The group consisted of four adult females and one juvenile female. One dolphin could not be examined as it was buried immediately due to time constraints.
Investigations are ongoing to ascertain whether the lung injuries resulted from illegal dynamite fishing or other activities generating loud underwater blasts. Pescadilla estimated the trauma occurred three to five days prior to the dolphins’ deaths, based on the discoloration observed in their organs.
The initial stranding was reported by residents who spotted approximately 17 dolphins in shallow waters near Barangay Luka in Tanjay City on Saturday. Despite efforts by locals and rescuers to guide the dolphins back to deeper waters, the pod ended up stranded in Barangay Canlargo, Bais City, as the tide receded.
The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed no further sightings of stranded dolphins by Wednesday, after successful efforts to guide the remaining dolphins back to the open sea. Virtual assistance during the necropsies was provided by Dr. Lemuel Aragones, head of the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network, and his research assistant Apple Amor.
A collaborative effort involving local police, Bantay Dagat volunteers, barangay officials, fishermen, residents, and personnel from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources supported the rescue and recovery operations. Pescadilla mentioned that they are still awaiting laboratory results to further confirm the cause of the dolphins’ deaths.