by Vianney Anthony A. Gapuz and Jev Jev L. Maestre

MAHINOG, Camiguin (April 24, 2025) – A Risso’s dolphin that stranded along the shores of Barangay Catuhogan, Camiguin last March 15, 2025, continues to recover under the care of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-10 (BFAR-10), and partner agencies. The case highlights the government’s ongoing commitment to marine wildlife conservation.

Following the stranding, a joint effort by BFAR-10 under the leadership of Regional Director Edward B. Yasay, through its Provincial Fisheries Office of Camiguin (PFO-Camiguin), in collaboration with the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network (PMMSN), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), PLGU Camiguin’s Veterinary Office and the LGU of Mahinog, was initiated to rescue the distressed mammal.

Despite initial attempts to return it to the sea, the dolphin’s weakened condition necessitated its transfer to the Sagay Multi-Species Hatchery, as its temporary shelter while giving immediate medical intervention.

Over the past 40 days, as the dolphin sustained visible wounds near its blowhole and mouth, the team of government veterinarians, biologists and aquaculturist alternately made rounds to ensure the dolphin’s stable condition.

BFAR-10 marine biologist and aquaculturists together with the Philippine Coast Guard Veterinarian LTCDR Charlaine June Sabio handled the initial medical care of the stranded mammal, including administering 500g of freshly pureed squid for feeding, injecting Enrofloxacin and Dexamethasone while monitoring reactions, and applying antibacterial ointment to aid wound healing.

The office together with Dr. Lemuel Aragones, President of Asian Marine Mammal Stranding Network, leads and oversees the dolphin’s comprehensive rehabilitation plan, including treatment and feeding strategies, adaptive management and behavioral and medical monitoring to ensure the animal’s swift recovery. 

The Provincial Veterinary Office of Camiguin also partners in the rehabilitation by providing veterinary medical care and continuous monitoring for the stranded Risso’s dolphin, including initial assessment and first aid, administration of medications, collection of blood sample and analysis, assistance in feeding via intubation, and regular health evaluations.

According to the latest assessment, the Risso’s dolphin is showing positive signs of recovery. However, it still requires a period of acclimatization to deeper waters before it can be released back into its natural habitat.

As for the next step in its rehabilitation, the stranded mammal will be transferred to a coastal cage near the Sagay Hatchery for further monitoring and gradual adaptation to its marine environment. 

In connection with this stranding incident, the PMMSN urges the public to be more aware and responsible when encountering dolphins or other marine mammals. They also issued the following reminders: 

• Keep a Safe Distance: Avoid disturbing wild dolphins.
  
• Never Feed Dolphins: It disrupts natural behaviors and poses health risks.
  
• Report Strandings Promptly: Contact BFAR, PCG, or PMMSN immediately.
  
• Reduce Pollution & Gear Waste: Marine debris threatens marine mammals.
  
• Promote Awareness: Share knowledge about marine conservation.

This rescue effort reinforces BFAR-10’s role as the lead agency in aquatic wildlife protection, under Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) and RA 8550 (Philippine Fisheries Code), as amended by RA 10654 and is a testament to what collective action can achieve in marine conservation.