BUTUAN CITY: The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the Caraga Region (BFAR-13) reported the rescue of a stranded short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) on the coastline of Magallanes, Agusan del Norte over the weekend.
In its report on Monday (Aug 11), the BFAR-13 said residents of coastal Barangay Buhang spotted the stranded marine mammal on the morning of Aug 9.
The villagers immediately reported the matter to the Coast Guard Station, Municipal Agriculture Office, and BFAR-13 for proper action.
“The 3.63-metre and 300-kilogram whale was visibly weak, leaning on its right side, and unable to stay upright without support when the responders arrived,” the BFAR-13 said.
The marine mammal also bore multiple fresh wounds, which were likely from collisions with structures in the docking area.
“An older wound near its blowhole with a remnant of a suspected spear gun tip lodged inside was also discovered during the examination,” the BFAR-13 said. A veterinarian among the responders carefully removed the foreign object from the old wound.
“Due to the strong currents in the area, the rescuers transported the whale to Barangay Caloc for a safer release,” the agency said.
The whale later regained strength, exhibited normal breathing patterns, and maintained an upright position before being released back into the sea.
The BFAR-13 urged the public to report similar incidents to authorities immediately to help ensure the safety and survival of stranded marine animals. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
