Juvenile Striped Dolphin Found Stranded in Cebu Dies Despite Rescue Efforts

A juvenile striped dolphin was discovered injured and stranded along the baywalk of Daanbantayan, Cebu, but unfortunately passed away despite efforts to save it.

Eyewitnesses John and Jess reported that the dolphin had become entangled in a fishing net, prompting them to contact local authorities for assistance. They claimed that no official aid was provided. Taking matters into their own hands, Jess waded into the seawall to drag the animal toward deeper waters in an attempt to free it. Tragically, the dolphin was later found dead.

Glenville Castrence, a faculty member at the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Mindanao State University - General Santos City, suggested that the dolphin was likely a juvenile that had become trapped due to "ghost fishing," which involves discarded, broken fishing nets in the ocean. He explained, "The discarded nets improperly discarded in the sea may have caused the dolphin's entanglement."

While acknowledging the rescuers’ good intentions, Castrence emphasized the importance of adhering to established protocols when dealing with stranded marine mammals. He stated, "According to the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network's procedures, it is preferable not to release the animal immediately but to wait for trained professionals equipped to revive stranded dolphins."

Castrence also noted that stranded marine creatures might be suffering from underlying illnesses or injuries requiring specialized medical care, underscoring the need for expert handling in such incidents.