Iloilo – The regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Western Visayas (DENR-6) is urging for a stronger campaign to properly handle rescued marine wildlife in the region.
Dennis Piñosa of DENR-6’s Conservation and Development Division said the recent online launch of the Philippine Aquatic Wildlife Rescue and Response Manual Series (mwwphilippines.org) is meant to provide more knowledge to the public.
“Western Visayas is very rich in marine biodiversity,” Piñosa said. “If we don’t know how to protect and take care of them when captured or stranded in cages, they are likely to die,” Piñosa added.
Marine turtles are usually found off the coast of Iloilo City as well as coastal areas of Guimaras, Antique, Negros Occidental, and southern Iloilo provinces.
Sea cows or butanding, meanwhile, are usually found in the coastal areas of Guimaras and northern Iloilo provinces.
The three-volume manual outlines the proper procedure in identifying the sea animal, handling, rescuing, and rehabilitating.
The manual also gives instructions on how to report and fill out forms to be submitted to environmental authorities.
For his part, DENR-6 Regional Director Jim Sampulna said the manual also aims to address the problem of stranded animals ending up being slaughtered for food or kept captive
Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/proper-rescue-of-sea-animals-in-western-visayas-pushed/#acuCivPtEoXUPxar.99