In the wake of recent dolphin strandings in Tanjay and Bais Cities, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Negros Oriental is pressing local government units to take the lead in funding and organizing training sessions on marine mammal stranding. The call comes after a distressing incident where eight pantropical spotted dolphins were found dead in mangrove areas, believed to be from the same pod that stranded in late January.
Florencia Mepaña, the provincial chief of BFAR-Negros Oriental, emphasized the necessity of a coordinated response to such events. She noted that while BFAR can organize the training, it lacks the necessary funds to cover the costs of inviting experts like Dr. Lemuel Aragones from the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network (PMMSN) and other logistical needs.
The urgency for a unified approach was highlighted by the recent strandings, where a lack of coordination led to varying reports of the incidents. In Bais City, veterinarian Dr. Melanie Pescadilla determined that four dolphins died from drowning due to lung trauma caused by a strong blasting sound. However, in Tanjay City, the cause of death remained undetermined as the decomposed carcasses were burned by coastal residents.
Dr. Aragones pointed out the need for more trained volunteers, as many of the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network’s current volunteers have either retired or moved away. He stressed the vital role of community involvement in protecting marine resources, noting that local residents can serve as first responders in the absence of constant law enforcement presence.
Mepaña also suggested that protecting natural habitats, enforcing laws against harmful human activities like illegal net fishing, and ensuring a swift response to distress signals could help reduce the frequency of dolphin strandings. The call for action underscores the need for a collaborative effort among local governments, agencies, the private sector, and communities, especially in areas like the Tañon Strait, known for its rich marine biodiversity.