In a bid to empower local stakeholders to effectively respond to marine mammal strandings in the region, the Fisheries Management Regulatory and Enforcement Division (FMRED) spearheaded a Marine Mammal Conservation and Stranding Response Training Workshop from August 7-9, 2024, at the RFTFCD Training Hall in Tabaco City.
Leading experts, Dr. Lemuel Aragones of the UP Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology and President of the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network, along with Dr. Leo Jonathan Suarez, Director of Veterinary Services at Ocean Adventure, provided valuable technical expertise throughout the training.
The workshop aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to address marine mammal strandings—a critical issue in marine conservation. The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including personnel from the Provincial Fisheries Offices (PFOs), Local Government Units (LGUs), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP), representatives from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) of Albay and Camarines Norte, and BFAR 5 technical staff.
Given the frequent marine mammal strandings in the Bicol region, including those involving dolphins and whales, it is crucial that local authorities and stakeholders are well-prepared to handle these incidents to ensure the protection and conservation of these species. The training sessions covered a wide array of topics, such as Emergency First Response, Handling and Transport, Marine Mammal Rehabilitation, relevant legal frameworks, and the use of Morphometrics to assess the health and condition of stranded animals.
In addition to theoretical discussions, the workshop featured hands-on demonstrations and practical exercises. Participants engaged in province-specific workshops that addressed local challenges and potential mitigation measures for marine mammal strandings. A field demonstration was also conducted on the coast of San Lorenzo, Tabaco City, where participants applied the skills they had learned in a realistic setting, simulating a stranding response.
This workshop underscores the importance of continued collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and conservation experts to safeguard the country’s rich marine biodiversity.
(Source: BFAR Bicol)