21 Pilot Whales Die After Becoming Trapped in Fishing Nets off Rote Ndao

The National Marine Conservation Area Agency (BKKPN) Kupang reported that 21 pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) died after becoming trapped in fishing nets in the waters of Fuanfuni Village, Rote Barat Daya District, Rote Ndao Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province (NTT).

“We are reporting that 21 individuals died,” said Imam Fauzi, Head of BKKPN Kupang, to detikBali on Tuesday (10 March 2026).

Imam explained that combined teams are currently conducting burial proceedings for the dozens of marine mammals. Meanwhile, 34 other whales returned to deep waters alive. According to him, among the various whales, the largest measured 5.1 metres in length, whilst the smallest was 2.4 metres.

“Currently, the team together with combined officials at the location are conducting burial proceedings for those that died,” Imam clarified.

It was previously reported that 11 pilot whales died after becoming trapped in fishing nets in the waters of Fuanfuni Village, Rote Barat Daya District, Rote Ndao Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province (NTT). The appearance of the marine mammals occurred on Monday (9 March 2026) evening.

“Based on identification from colleagues in the field, there were 11 individuals that had already died,” said Imam Fauzi, Head of the National Marine Conservation Area Agency (BKKPN) Kupang, to detikBali on Tuesday (10 March).