Two experts in the field of fisheries from the province of Siquijor, namely Provincial Fishery Officer Warren S. Inao of BFAR-Siquijor and Aquaculture Technologist II Mario Maglinte of the Provincial Agriculture Offi ce undergone three days live- in training on marine mammal stranding response for Central Visayas area last month in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. {{more}}
Trainers were Dr. Lemnuel V. Aragones, convenor of Philippine Marine Mammals Stranding Network of the University of the Philippines — Diliman’s Natural Science Research Institute and Institute of Environmental Science & Metorology with Dr. Mariel B. Flores, Marine Mammal Veterinarian from Ocean Adventure in Subic Bay and Dr. Gloria C. Diaz of BFAR Central Office.
All trainees had a field tour at the Pamilacan Island, Baclayon and Balicasag Island of Panglao town conducting actual observation in the wild, species identification and lecture on boat interaction with marine mammals.
In the province, The Siquijor Mirror documented two cases of stranding dolphins. In Poblacion, Siquijor a dolphin was rescued and brought back to the sea while in Tubod, San Juan a melon dolphin was already dead when it arrived at the shoreline.
In managing stranding cases, the PMMSN recognizes the coordination of media. According to this stranding network, media is a powerful tool, and affects a large percent of the population. It also provides most of the information people know about stranding. The continuous sharing of information will lead to more accurate coverage and will encourage better public education. A more informed public is beneficial to them to raise awareness of the value of marine mammals and to motivate communities to be more concerned about the preservation of their marine resources as a whole.
Inao urged everyone if they find a stranded dead or alive marine mammal, it must be reported immediately to BFAR- Siquijor (035) 377-2486 or the Provincial Agriculture Offi ce (035) 377-2067 and provide crucial information useful for marine mammal conservation such as your location, name and contact numbers, and description and condition of the animal (size, shape, color and any wounds).
Meanwhile, marine mammals in the Philippines are protected by law. It is illegal to catch dolphins, whales or dugongs in Philippine waters or to sell, purchase, possess, transport or export them, dead or alive.
Whales (balyena), dolphins (lumba-lumba, lumod) and dugongs (duyong, baboy dagat) are mammals found in our place. Dugongs are the only marine mammals in the Philippines that are completely herbivorous — they only eat sea grasses. DA-BFAR oversees whales and dolphins while DENR oversees dugongs.
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