Endangered dolphin specie dies on the shores of Cabay

By SENTAY BELIZAR-QUITORIO
March 30, 2007

BALANGKAYAN, Eastern Samar  –  A 6 feet 4 inches long of a dolphin locally known as “lumod” was washed very weak on the shores of barangay Cabay this municipality last March 19 this year.

Romualdo Capatoy a businessman-environmentalist of Maydolong called the office of the Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for help. Together with the local media the rescue team immediately responded.

A fisherman from the municipality confirmed that exactly 20 minutes after the dolphin was carried ashore it died. “Masyado na kamaluya han lumod, takay deri man kami maaram han amon pagbubuhaton gindara nam ngadto han katab-angan” (the dolphin was very weak, but we do not know what to do we brought it to the fresh waters).

Mr. Henry Alura deputized member/representative of NFARMC (National Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council) also confirmed the endangered specie as weak and sick. Normally according to Alura this sea animal is hard to pin down though trainable, coming near the shore indicates a need for help.

Evident were three fresh wounds which according to Mr. Alura and the fishermen were caused by a blood sucking fish “kimi” which was described further to be loaded with sting. Alura said the wounds are not enough reason to cause the death of the specie, it could be something else such as chronic ailments and the wounds were just contributory factors.

NFARMC deputy/member Alura said the need to strengthen the advocacy to protect such endangered species is deemed necessary. He called on to the local bureau of the Fisheries and Aquatic resources for strong support.