Marine mammal stranding response workshop set
The city government through the City Veterinarian Office will spearhead the conduct of a training workshop on marine mammal stranding response and network from Dec. 10-11.
Aimed to establish networking among concerned agencies and to strengthen public awareness, the two-day training is being initiated in view of the numerous marine mammal stranding incidents in the city in the past.
City Veterinarian Mario Ariola said the city has recorded at least four marine mammal stranding incidents the past few months. These marine mammals strand for various reasons.
He said physical injury from predator caused by human activities such as dynamite fishing and boat collision, illness, errors in navigation and infectious diseases are among the reasons for stranding.
According to Ariola, the continued existence of these animals is frequently dependent on the assistance of humans.
Late 2008, a neonate seacow, locally known as dugong, was trapped in the coastal area of the city but eventually died after rescue efforts were made by experts from the Ocean Adventure and UP Diliman, Manila in coordination with the local government unit.
“This training workshop aims to equip concerned agencies in response to handling stranded marine mammals in the city,” Ariola added.
The workshop will be in a joint effort of the City Mayor’s office, City Veterinarian Office and City Agriculturist Office. (City Vet PR)