The waters of Sarangani Bay remain hale and hearty after more than 200 dolphins were spotted in different parts of the Bay early this week.
Joy Oloquin, protected area superintendent of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS), said Friday the dolphins were seen off the coast of Alabel town, Sarangani province during their regular marine mammal monitoring from May 12 to 13.
“The spinner dolphins were observed actively moving while the pod of risso's dolphins were basking under the heat of the sun,” she said in a statement.
Oloquin said there were about 150-200 Spinner dolphins and 16 Risso’s dolphins that were monitored at the site.
Gary John Cabinta, SBPS- Protected Area Management Office ecosystem management specialist said the presence of the dolphins is a good indication of the Bay’s current state.
"This is an indication that these marine mammals and other species within the bay are indeed thriving amidst a healthy and balanced ecosystem," he said.
Oloquin meanwhile said they are inviting other stakeholders to showcase the beauty of the Sarangani Bay and raise more awareness for its protection and conservation.
It is also in line with the celebration of the Ocean Month, which focuses on the theme “The Science We Need for the Ocean We Want.” (With a report from the Philippine News Agency)