By HENRY EMPEÑO | June 9, 2023

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — “Marshy”, an adult female rough-toothed dolphin believed to be the victim of a dynamite blast, is now hopefully on its way to recovery following its transfer to Ocean Adventure, a marine theme park here that provides rescue and rehabilitation services for marine mammals.

Marshy stranded on May 22 in Brgy. Hermosa, Dasol, Pangasinan and local authorities who responded to the rescue call found that it was no longer floating on its own and had no balance.

A report from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Field Office I (BFAR-RFO I) also indicated bruises around her body, a healing wound on her abdomen, and was not echolocating—signs that it was likely a victim of dynamite blast associated with illegal fishing.

On June 5, however, a marine mammal stranding team from Ocean Adventure, which is a member of the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network (PMMSN), went to Pangasinan to help assess her condition.

Thereafter, Marshy was transported to the marine mammal rehabilitation facility of Ocean Adventure in Subic, where she continued to receive round-the-clock care from the park’s animal rehabilitation team.

Robert Gonzaga, president and CEO of Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc., the parent company of Ocean Adventure, said the theme park continues in its mission and advocacy to protect marine mammals and other sea creatures.

“We have consistently demonstrated our unwavering commitment to the rescue and preservation of animals, providing them with the necessary treatment, care, and assistance,” Gonzaga said.

“This is another case for our team of trained staff and volunteers, who are dedicated to the successful recovery and release of stranded or injured marine mammals,” he added.

Gonzaga said that just last December, a young female pygmy killer whale named “Maxene” stranded in San Juan, Ilocos Sur. This animal was also a victim of dynamite blast, Gonzaga said.

Maxene was also initially rehabilitated by the BFAR RFOI stranding team and PMMSN volunteers, and was subsequently relocated to the Ocean Adventure to continue her rehabilitation.

Just like Marshy, Maxene was also most likely a victim of dynamite fishing and was no longer echolocating. Animal experts say dolphins tend to stop echolocating when they lose their hearing.

Veterinarian Dr. Leo Suarez said that “Maxene” was treated for pulmonary infection and remained in critical care for several months. Because of her condition, BFAR RFO1 requested Ocean Adventure to continue Maxene’s rehabilitation in Subic Bay and provide her a long-term care if she recovered.

Gonzaga said that Ocean Adventure provides rescued animals that cannot survive in the wild with a ”safe haven and a second chance at life after being impacted by unfortunate practices like dynamite fishing.”

He explained that Ocean Adventure, which is a founding member of PMMSN, is actively involved in responding to marine mammal stranding incidents, participating in rescue and rehabilitation efforts, and promoting research and education related to marine mammal conservation. 

“We work in close coordination with other PMMSN members, including government agencies like BFAR, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and concerned citizens, to address the challenges faced by stranded marine mammals and contribute to their well-being,” he added.

“I’m sure Marshy will find a new home here and she will like it,” Gonzaga added. – Taktikom News & Features