Fisherman discovers dead dolphin in Sagay Marine Reserve, Negros Occidental

Sagay City Environment and Natural Resources (SCENRO) personnel examine the dead bottlenose dolphin found at the Sagay Marine Reserve in Sagay City. Photo by Sagay Marine Reserve

BACOLOD CITY — A bottlenose dolphin was found dead in the northern portion of Carbin Reef at the Sagay Marine Reserve in Sagay City, Negros Occidental, early Monday morning, July 3.

The dolphin was found by a fisherman near the Carbin Reef around 5:40 a.m., Jose Roberto Togle, Resource Management Section Head of the Sagay City Environment and Natural Resources (SCENRO), said.

SCENRO had yet to determine the dolphin’s cause of death but initial findings showed that the mammal might have been hit by a hard object on its blow hole, he said.

The dolphin is an adult male and about 1.92 meters in length and 90 kilograms in weight.

Scratch marks on its left eye and nape, and soft tissue at the back of the head were also seen. Togle said.

The dolphin was turned over to the Bantay Dagat Volunteers and to SCENRO.

Togle reminded fishermen to immediately release mammals that may be trapped in their fishing nets as they play also a very important role in the marine ecosystem.

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JPV