Stranded dolphin rescued in Unisan

By Rowena Cruz The stranded Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin on February 13, 2024, at Malatandang Beach in Unisan, Quezon with the rescuers c...

By Rowena Cruz

The stranded Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin on February 13, 2024, at Malatandang Beach in Unisan, Quezon with the rescuers carefully assessing the dolphin's condition. (Photo from BFAR Quezon)

UNISAN, Quezon - On the morning of February 13, 2024, a desperate call alerted authorities to a stranded Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin on Malatandang Beach in Unisan, Quezon

Local agencies, including the Unisan LGU, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO-Tayabas), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the Office of the Provincial Veterinary (OPV-Quezon), rushed to the scene.



According to the interview of Kasama ng Kalikasan (KnK) with Dr. Milkah Valente of OPV Quezon, the dolphin's condition was assessed as critical. Weak and suffering from eye problems, the dolphin is under treatment at the Unisan Multi-Series Hatchery. Dr. Valente issued an appeal for volunteers to aid in the dolphin's rehabilitation.

BFAR Quezon Provincial Director Allan Castillo believes the dolphin may have become disoriented after being separated from its pod. He expressed concern that blast fishing or other disruptive human activities pose dangers to marine life. "This incident highlights the critical need for increased ocean protection," Director Castillo emphasized.

Meanwhile, Kasama ng Kalikasan (KnK) sees this incident as part of a disturbing pattern of dolphin and turtle strandings within Quezon province's jurisdiction. They strongly suspect a link to illegal dynamite fishing, devastating marine life and their habitats. KnK demands stricter enforcement and sustainable fishing practices to protect these vulnerable creatures.

They believe that stricter enforcement of laws against blast fishing and other destructive activities is crucial to preventing further harm to marine life. KnK also advocates for the promotion of sustainable fishing practices, which would help protect the delicate ecosystems that these creatures rely on for survival.

Expert Limuel Aragones identifies numerous possible causes for mammal strandings in the Philippines: harmful fishing practices, pollution, and human-induced diseases. Aragones also highlights the need for further research and investigation to determine the exact cause of these strandings and develop effective conservation strategies.