Not all cemeteries are for humans. In Dagupan City, a “fish cemetery” in Barangay Bonuan Boquig serves as the final resting place for dolphins, turtles, and whales, all once washed ashore and now buried to promote marine conservation.

Established in 1999 by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - National Integrated Fisheries Technology Development Center (BFAR-NIFTDC), the Fish Cemetery was created to provide a proper burial site for sea animals that could no longer be returned to the ocean.

“Before kasi wala namang naka-designate na area kung saan puwedeng ilibing ang mga ito, since ito 'yung isa sa center ng BFAR, dito na dinala, so nag-start na doon,” Regino Regpala, Aquaculturist II at BFAR-NIFTDC, said.

The most recent burial took place in 2024 for a false killer whale. As of October 2025, the cemetery holds the remains of 47 threatened and endangered marine species, including turtles, whales, and dolphins.

“Iniisip nila ba't kailangan ulit nating ilibing, kasi nga bawal kainin 'yung mga meat nito,” Regpala said.

The cemetery’s very first burial was a 1.2-ton whale nicknamed “Moby Dick,” measuring 320 centimeters long. Until now, it’s still unclear what species of whale it is.

Inspired by Moby Dick’s story, BFAR turned the site into an awareness campaign to remind the public that catching or consuming protected sea animals is illegal.

Students often visit the cemetery from all over the Philippines. It now serves as both a conservation symbol and an educational space for young Filipinos.

“Pinupuntahan ito ng mga mag-aaral natin so usually around 1,000 'yung mga OJTs natin na pumunta dito from all over the Philippines,” Regpala said.