Ilocos Norte: A stranded female pantropical spotted dolphin, named "April-May," died on Monday, five days after being rescued by a dedicated team. Vanessa Abigail Dagdagan-Alimbuyuguen, the provincial fishery officer, reported that the dolphin passed away at 5:10 a.m. while undergoing treatment at a makeshift rehabilitation center.
According to Philippines News Agency, personnel from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Mariano Marcos State University, Laoag City Veterinary Office, Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network, provincial and local government units, and several volunteers collaborated in efforts to save the dolphin. Alimbuyuguen stated that the death of "April-May" has inspired a commitment to enhancing responses to future dolphin strandings.
'Various stakeholders have committed to help in the stranding response. We hope that our plans and programs to mitigate stranding cases in Ilocos Norte will be realized the soonest,' she said.
The Mariano Marcos State University, led by its president Dr. Virgilio Julius Manzano, announced plans to establish a rehabilitation facility for stranded marine animals within six months. Meanwhile, BFAR, the congressional office of the Second District of Ilocos Norte, local government units, student volunteers, and a private animal clinic in Batac City have pledged their support for rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Data highlights that the Badoc-Currimao grid in Ilocos Norte is the most significant stranding hot spot in the Philippines. Dr. Lemnuel Aragones, head of the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network, traveled from Metro Manila to assist in the rehabilitation of "April-May" and emphasized the proactive measures being taken to address marine mammal strandings across the country's coastlines.
An infographic from the University of the Philippines' Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology outlines the basics of marine mammal emergency first response. It advises responders to approach stranded animals with care, call for trained responders, and ensure the animal's blowhole is protected. Responders should also maintain the animal in an upright position, keep its skin wet, and avoid causing stress by minimizing noise and shielding the animal from environmental elements.