Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries rescues 34 stranded pilot whales in Rote Ndao

Kupang — The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), through the National Marine Conservation Area Office (BKKPN) in Kupang, successfully rescued 34 pilot whales that beached on Mbadokai Beach, Fuafuni Village, South West Rote District, Rote Ndao Regency, East Nusa Tenggara.

Imam Fauzi, Head of the National Marine Conservation Area Office (BKKPN) Kupang, stated in Kupang on Wednesday that the rescue operation was conducted rapidly through collaboration between government officials, conservation organisations, local government, and local residents after 55 marine mammals were reported stranded from Monday evening (9 March) through Tuesday (10 March).

“A total of 21 animals were found dead after stranding,” he said.

He explained that of the 21 animals found dead along the coastline, eight were male and 13 were female. Of these 21 deceased individuals, four were calves and 17 were adults.

The team then conducted identification, measurement, and necropsy of the deceased whales for documentation purposes, scientific study, and further analysis to determine the precise cause of death.

Identification results showed that the marine mammals were Short-finned Pilot Whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), which are classified as protected marine fauna.

Measurements indicated that the largest individual reached 5.1 metres in length and was male, whilst the smallest individual measured approximately 2.4 metres.

Fauzi stated that both the KKP and other relevant agencies made efforts to rescue all stranded whales, but ultimately only several survived through herding operations that returned the whales to sea using vessels.

For handling the carcasses of deceased whales, the team coordinated with the Rote Ndao Regency Government to provide heavy machinery. The Rote Ndao Public Works and Housing Service then dispatched one excavator to the location to assist in safely burying the whale carcasses and prevent environmental damage.

“Burial of the whale carcasses was completed at 7:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday (10 March),” he added.

During the entire process, the team urged residents not to remove or consume any parts of the whales as these marine mammals are protected animals.