Dolphin stranded in Currimao waters, MMSU-CASAT and BFAR call for volunteers

CURRIMAO, Ilocos Norte — A Pantropical Spotted Dolphin (Stenella attenuata) was rescued along the coast of Barangay Pangil in Currimao early morning of 30 April, Wednesday, through the prompt response of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Field Office 1 (BFAR-RFO1), the Mariano Marcos State University–College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology (MMSU-CASAT), and other local agencies.

The marine mammal, now nicknamed “April,” was found with visible lesions on its beak and body. Authorities believe it may have suffered minor injuries after stranding close to shore. Personnel from the barangay council, the LGU, Maritime Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and student-volunteers from MMSU-CASAT are currently attending to the dolphin’s condition.

In a Facebook post, MMSU-CASAT faculty member Ramil Cariaga Llanes called for volunteers to assist in feeding, monitoring, and rehabilitating the injured dolphin. “April needs daily assistance. Even without prior experience, what matters most is compassion and willingness to help,” the post read.

Volunteers are encouraged to join in shifts to ensure around-the-clock care for the dolphin as efforts to stabilize and assess its chances for reintegration into the wild continue.

BFAR-Region I also reiterated its call for public support and marine wildlife awareness, emphasizing the importance of coordinated rescue and conservation efforts.