The provincial government of Catanduanes, in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 5 (Bicol), has conducted a three-day training to further improve the skills of marine mammal stranding responders.

In an interview on Thursday, BFAR-5 spokesperson Rowena Briones said the training and resource investment held last week aimed to improve efforts to protect marine mammals in the province.

“The training was organized and funded by the Office of the Provincial Agriculture, while BFAR provided technical expertise as resource speakers for the 30 responders from the towns of Virac, Baras, San Miguel, Gigmoto, Panganiban, Pandan, Caramoran, Bagamanoc, Bato, San Andres, and Viga. Participants learned about marine mammal biology, behavior, and species identification,” Briones said.

She said that based on the data from the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Catanduanes and Albay have the fewest marine mammal stranding incidents in Bicol, with only as low as three reports in Catanduanes in 2020.

“The training was a commendable initiative to equip responders in the field. It enhances the efficiency of marine mammal stranding response efforts, improving survival rates while ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards,” she said.

Briones added that the training also covered the causes of strandings, response protocols, humane handling techniques, and data collection for conservation research. Legal considerations and multi-agency coordination strategies were also discussed.

Briones said BFAR is looking to hold another Marine Mammal Stranding Response Training in May.

“This training will be funded by BFAR-5, targeting participants from ‘hotspot’ areas (with a high incidence of strandings), including Legazpi City in Albay, Sorsogon, Libmanan, Del Gallego in Camarines Sur, and Masbate province,” she said.

Participants were engaged in hands-on field training, learning proper approaches to minimize stress on stranded animals, conducting health assessments, administering first aid, handling transport protocols, and implementing refloating and release strategies.

“It also contributes to scientific research on marine mammal health and behavior, supporting broader conservation initiatives,” Briones said. (PNA)