RESPONDING TO MARINE MAMMAL STRANDINGS
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 5
What to do if you encounter a stranded marine mammal
By Freida Dario-Santiago
Many Boracay residents and tourists were initially delighted when a false killer whale (a species of oceanic dolphin) was spotted swimming near Cagban Port on June 8. Witnesses described the animal as appearing healthy as it circled the waters, drawing curious onlookers eager to catch a glimpse of the rare visitor.
What began as a rare and exciting wildlife encounter, however, soon turned into concern as the marine mammal repeatedly circled the area and moved unusually close to shore.
Witnesses gathered along the waterfront to watch the marine mammal, unsure whether it was simply passing through or in distress. Fortunately, the incident ended well. The mammal momentarily beached but eventually found its way back to deeper waters.
The sighting nevertheless served as a timely reminder of how important it is for the public to know what to do when marine mammals such as dolphins, whales, or dugongs are found in shallow waters, injured, entangled or stranded.
Representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), who responded to reports of the sighting, consulted Boracay-based marine biologist Haron Deo Vargas on the proper way to handle such situations. Vargas has helped conduct training seminars for Boracay's first responders on proper marine mammal stranding response. He has helped conduct training seminars for Boracay's first responders on proper marine mammal stranding response.
To help educate the public, Vargas shared guidance from the Philippine Aquatic Wildlife Rescue and Response Manual Series: Marine Mammals, a collaborative publication of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB), Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines, and GIZ.
According to the manual, a marine mammal stranding occurs when an animal such as a dolphin, whale, or dugong becomes trapped on a beach, in shallow water, or outside its normal habitat and is unable to return on its own.
Marine mammals may strand for many reasons. They may be sick, injured, exhausted, disoriented, entangled in fishing gear, affected by pollution, disturbed by underwater noise, struck by boats, or impacted by extreme weather conditions. Sometimes healthy animals may follow a sick member of their group into shallow waters.
Whatever the cause, experts stress that stranded marine mammals need professional assistance.
For many, the first instinct is to approach, touch, push, or attempt to rescue the animal themselves. However, the manual emphasizes that marine mammal response should be handled only by trained and certified responders from DA-BFAR and DENR or authorized partner organizations.
A live stranded animal is often under significant stress. Crowding around it, making loud noises, taking flash photographs, or attempting to handle it can increase that stress and potentially worsen its condition.
Proper response is important not only for the animal's welfare but also for public safety. Some stranded animals may carry diseases, suffer from injuries, or react unpredictably when frightened.
The manual also notes that response efforts have several goals: helping the animal, preventing further harm, protecting the public, and gathering information that can improve future conservation efforts.
For ordinary citizens, the best way to help is surprisingly simple: stay calm, keep your distance, prevent crowds from gathering around the animal, and immediately contact the proper authorities.
Public awareness plays an important role in marine mammal conservation. Every incident provides an opportunity for communities to learn more about these protected species and understand why they deserve protection.
As Boracay continues to welcome both people and wildlife, knowing what to do during a marine mammal emergency can make a meaningful difference. Sometimes the most helpful action is not to intervene, but to call the right people and give trained responders the space they need to do their work.
MARINE MAMMAL EMERGENCY
Simple Response Protocol for the Public
👀 STEP 1: Observe from a distance Do not touch, ride, feed or attempt to move the animal.
📞 STEP 2: Call authorities immediately
Report the sighting to DENR, BFAR, barangay officials or the municipal government.
🚧 STEP 3: Keep crowds away
Help maintain a safe distance and discourage people from gathering around the animal.
🔇 STEP 4: Keep noise levels down
Avoid shouting, loud music, flash photography, or activities that may stress the animal.
🌊 STEP 5: Keep access to the sea clear
Do not block trained responders from reaching the animal or accessing the shoreline.
⏳ STEP 6: Wait for trained responders
Marine mammal rescue should only be conducted by qualified personnel.
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
DENR-Boracay☎ (0921) 319 8438☎ (0951) 426 4938☎ (036) 288 9727
Remember:
The goal is to protect both the animal and the public. When in doubt, report the incident and let trained responders take over.
MARINE MAMMAL EMERGENCY
Simpleng Gabay para sa Publiko
👀 HAKBANG 1: Magmasid mula sa ligtas na distansyaHuwag hawakan, sakyan, pakainin, o subukang ilipat ang hayop.
📞 HAKBANG 2: Agad na ipagbigay-alam sa mga awtoridad
I-report ang insidente sa DENR, BFAR, mga opisyal ng barangay, o sa pamahalaang bayan.
🚧 HAKBANG 3: Ilayo ang mga tao sa lugar Tumulong na mapanatili ang ligtas na distansya at pigilan ang pagdagsa ng mga tao sa paligid ng hayop.
🔇 HAKBANG 4: Panatilihing mababa ang ingay Iwasan ang pagsigaw, malakas na musika, flash photography, at iba pang aktibidad na maaaring magdulot ng stress sa hayop.
🌊 HAKBANG 5: Panatilihing maluwag ang daan patungo sa dagat Huwag harangan ang mga responder na kailangang makalapit sa hayop o makarating sa dalampasigan.
⏳ HAKBANG 6: Hintayin ang mga responder Ang pagsagip sa mga mammal sa dagat ay dapat lamang isagawa ng mga kwalipikado at may sapat na pagsasanay na tauhan.
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