Over 300 sightings of dolphins and whales were recorded by environment personnel during a series of monitoring activities held recently in parts of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS).
Joy Oloquin, protected area superintendent (PASu) of the SBPS, said that the presence of whales and dolphins in large numbers could mean they are hunting for food and nursing calves.
The marine mammal monitoring activities held by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12 and its partners took place in Sarangani waters from February 2 to 5, 2021.
The Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape-Protected Area Management Office (PAMO-SBPS) report indicated the following species from the sightings:
- 20 to 30 Short-finned pilot whales
- 80 to 100 spinner dolphins
- 150 to 200 Fraser’s dolphins
- 8 Risso’s dolphins
The latest dolphin and whale sighting recorded in Sarangani Bay is among the biggest reported by DENR-Region 12.
PASu Ologuin said that they are conducting marine mammal monitoring every month to ensure the strict protection and conservation of the SBPS.
Last year, over 200 spinner and Risso’s dolphins were sighted on the coast of Sarangani province in Mindanao. A Dugong (Dugong dugon) was also sighted by the marine conservation teams from DENR in Barangay Cablalan, Glan town during their monitoring visit.
Donsol, Sorsogon meanwhile recorded nineteen new whale sharks in the Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape (TBPPS) since the beginning of 2020.
SEND CHEERS in the comments below to the people and conservation teams of Sarangani for caring for our marine creatures and oceans.
Are you a Proud Filipino? Get more good news stories on Filipino Pride! Subscribe to GoodNewsPilipinas.com and our YouTube channel: Good News Pilipinas! TV
