In a recent advisory, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Central Visayas has cautioned the residents of Banacon Island, located near Getafe in Bohol, to avoid any close interaction with a dead sperm whale that washed ashore. The warning was issued following the discovery of the 14.40-meter-long whale, which was found lifeless near the island on Monday, December 16, 2024. The whale, identified as a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), had a girth of 6 meters, a fluke of 2.6 meters, and flippers measuring 1.23 meters. Mario Ruinata, the regional director of BFAR-Central Visayas, emphasized the potential health risks associated with the decaying remains of the whale, which could harbor harmful bacteria, parasites, or other pathogens. An initial examination by BFAR, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and local authorities from Getafe identified significant injuries on the whale’s abdomen. Ruinata suggested that further investigation might be necessary to ascertain the cause of the whale’s death. He strongly advised the public to maintain a safe distance from the carcass until proper safety measures are put in place.
