BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
GUIMARAS – A dead sea cow, commonly known as dugong, weighing approximately 200 kilograms, was discovered along the coastline of Barangay San Miguel, Buenavista, Guimaras, on Saturday, December 7.
The marine mammal, measuring 2.9 meters long and 0.65 meters wide, bore a significant wound on its back, believed to have been caused by a boat propeller. Authorities suspect the injury led to its death.
Local officials quickly acted upon the discovery, documenting the scene and taking photographs of the dugong before burying it near the shoreline due to its advanced state of decomposition.
The incident has raised concerns among environmentalists and local authorities about the safety of marine life in the area. Dugongs, classified as vulnerable species, face threats from human activities, including boat traffic and habitat degradation.
The incident has also prompted calls for the enforcement of speed limits and the implementation of marine wildlife protection zones in Guimaras to prevent similar occurrences in the future./PN
