BFAR-7 to put up marine mammal rescue center in Cebu

By Fayette C. Ri�en

Wednesday 29th of August 2012

CEBU CITY, Aug 29 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-7 is planning to establish a marine mammal rescue center (MMRC) in Cebu by early next year.

Assistant Regional Director Allan Poquita told members of the Coastal Law Enforcement Alliance Region (Clear)-7, during its regular meeting, on the importance of putting up the MMRC to assist in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of stranded marine mammals.

“We have competent people who are well-trained on marine mammal rescue. In case there are stranded mammals that need rescuing, our people at the MMRC are capable of responding and assisting the stranded mammals back to the deep sea,” said Poquita.

Poquita cited a whale stranding incident in Toledo City in southwestern Cebu where ordinary fishermen were incapable of assisting the "butanding" (whale) back to deep sea.

“If there is already an MMRC, then it would be very easy for the public where to call for assistance in bringing stranded mammals back to sea or in case, rehabilitation is needed,” he added.

The official also updated Clear-7 members that their agency has formed a quick response team that could assist the group in any emergency cases.

“The QRT that was created in Manila was even used during the flooding incident. The same could be done here. The team under our office could be an asset of Clear-7 that could be tapped in any emergency situation,” said Poquita.

Fifteen members of Clear-7 attended the regular meeting, of which one of the main agenda was to provide inputs for the compilation of the 10-year accomplishment of the group. (PIA 7, Cebu)