26/12/2025
𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗞𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗯𝘂
In 2025, Cebu province faced several alarming incidents involving marine animal strandings and fatalities, particularly among dolphins and sea turtles. Notable cases included the spear-killing of a dolphin in Catmon, the accidental death of a juvenile striped dolphin in Daanbantayan due to entanglement in discarded fishing nets, and the discovery of a decomposed dolphin in Badian. These incidents highlight both illegal killings and the unintended consequences of human activities such as ghost fishing and boat strikes.
Efforts to rescue stranded or injured marine animals were also documented. In Moalboal, a dolphin was stranded and attended to by rescuers amid concerns about possible industrial toxins, while two sea turtles were saved in separate incidents—one after a boat strike and another after ingesting a fishing hook, both of which were treated and released successfully. These rescues demonstrate local communities, NGOs and LGUs particularly local veterinarian offices' commitment to marine conservation but also underscore the ongoing risks faced by these animals in Cebu's coastal waters.
Environmental threats persisted throughout the year, with authorities forming a task force to address illegal blast fishing in the Mactan Channel following damage to a rehabilitated reef. Additionally, veterinarians identified plastic pollution as a continual hazard, with cetaceans found to have ingested plastic debris leading to starvation and death. These challenges emphasize the urgent need for stronger protection and proactive interventions to safeguard Cebu’s marine biodiversity.
For intentional killing, call the Barangay, local police stations, PNP Maritime Group or Philippine Coast Guard, and for accidental stranding and rescue, call the Office of the Veterinarian at the province, city or municipal levels.
