Bycatch claims Dugong calf; skeleton set for preservation

Numancia, Aklan- A newborn Dugong calf, approximately weighing 38 kilograms, was found dead on the shores of Numancia, Aklan.

The stranding incident of a Dugong (Dugong dugon) calf was reported by Mr. Celso Magdael, a resident of Purok 1, Brgy. Navitas, Numancia, Aklan, on the early morning of July 27, 2026.

Magdael immediately notified Barangay Kagawad Jomar Maang and Punong Barangay Frany Reyes, who then coordinated with Numancia Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) Designate Aissa A. Fernandez and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Provincial ENR Office (DENR PENRO) in Aklan for a swift field assessment.

Upon arrival at the site, responding environmental officers, namely Forest Technician II Mark Gem Merin and Animal Keeper Stewart Chen, confirmed the animal was unresponsive. Physical examination revealed visible constriction marks on the calf’s body due to entanglement in a fishing net.

The newborn Dugong calf likely got separated from its mother, leaving it vulnerable to entanglement in active or abandoned fishing gear. Physical observations strongly suggest strangulation or constriction from marine gear, though unfortunately, no necropsy (animal autopsy) or laboratory examination was conducted, leaving the exact biological cause of death unconfirmed.

The local government unit of Numancia, and the DENR Aklan are considering preserving the marine mammal carcass as a skeleton mount. Its specimen profile and morphometric measurements include the following details: lifestage: newborn calf; total length (snout to tail): 131 cm; dorsal body circumference: 90 cm; flipper span: 74 cm; caudal fin width: 45 cm; and estimated weight: 38 kg.

            MENRO Numancia coordinated with the DENR Aklan to designate the carcass for preservation as a skeleton mount and has already initiated the necessary permitting process.

Once the preservation is done, the specimen will then be used for educational displays, scientific awareness, and public marine conservation advocacy by partner stakeholders in the region. The incident has been officially recorded in the wildlife mortality registry of DENR-PENRO Aklan. Authorities urge coastal communities to practice responsible fishing gear management and immediately report stranded marine wildlife to local authorities to protect endangered species like the Dugong./DENR 6