Authorities have called on residents of Samal Island to help protect the environment so they can help protect the dolphins in the island. 

Several dolphins were spotted at a resort in Samal. 

According to the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), the two types of dolphins, territorial and migratory, are both present in the island.

“We have territorial dolphins that means naa sila diri and we also have migratory dolphins. Kung naa gani na sila kung magpuyo gani na sila kung magpuyo sila sa usa ka lugar, that means abundant ang food and the water is clean. Animals would stay when they are comfortable and they have this source of food,” CENRO-IGACOS Marine Biologist, Katherine Ranay, said.

Authorities warned the public against illegal fishing and throwing of wastes in the sea that may endanger the lives of dolphins and other marine life.

Last month, a dead rough-tooth dolphin was found dead allegedly due to internal bleeding and dehydration as homemade fishhook was found in its belly.

“Actually, we did a necropsy with D’Bone Museum with Dr. Blatchley and we found out na inside sa Dolphin naa tung squid jig kanang ginagamit para sa squid. Makita nato dire nga it’s because of the tough competition between our wildlife and sa mga tao no,” Ranay said.

CENRO-IGACOS hopes that fisherfolk will be provided with appropriate fishing gears while authorities are intensifying conservation efforts.

“Awareness gyud sa atong katawhan na kanang simple act of throwing garbage anywhere can have a big butterfly effect sa kadaghanan,” Ranay said.