THE Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) of Negros Occidental has urged anew local environment offices to step up monitoring and enforcement measures in cities and municipalities, following some cases of "stranded" marine animals around the province.
Edgardo Rostata, head of Penro-Negros Occidental, said Sunday that given its rich marine biodiversity, the province hosts many species of marine animals especially those considered as endangered.
Rostata said that aside from various local government-initiated marine protection areas, Negros Occidental also has sanctuaries covered by the National Integrated Areas System (Nipas) Act.
Among these is the 22,000-hectare Sagay Marine Reserve in Sagay City, and also the province's marine waters that form part of the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape that also covers Panay Island and Cebu.
"Although the number of marine animals stranded in the province's coastal waters is not yet alarming, authorities on the ground, including the Bantay Dagat should still step up their measures to ensure that these resources are protected," he added.
Penro monitoring reports showed that at least six marine animals, mostly different species of sea turtles, were washed ashore and trapped in fishing nets of fishermen in the province this year.
On March 16, a dead sea turtle or "pawikan" was washed ashore at Sitio Mabua in Barangay Poblacion, Cauayan town.
The sea turtle was already in a state of decomposition when it was discovered by fisherfolk. It had big cuts on its head and flippers.
On January 16, a dead olive ridley sea turtle was also found in the shoreline of Cadiz City. The animal, also in a state of decomposition, had injuries.
Earlier this month, an ocean sunfish or "mola-mola" was stuck in the fishing net of three fishermen from Sagay City. The fish was already dead when it was brought ashore.
The dead animals were then buried as recommended by local authorities.
On January 3, personnel of Bantay Dagat in Silay City rescued a green sea turtle. It took public attention as photos of its vandalized shell spread on social media.
Earlier this year, three sea turtles were washed ashore in Cadiz City and adjacent Manapla and E.B. Magalona towns in the north. They had injuries in their fins and flippers.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR), through its Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro), immediately conducted a tagging, and released the animals back to the sea.
"DENR has been doing investigations on these cases as these imply possible violations of Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act," Rostata said, adding that they already reminded all local environment offices to implement the standing order on the protection and conservation of marine life as well as upland animals.
Communities are also urged to actively involve themselves in the agency's effort and campaign.
They are advised to immediately report such incidents, including any environmental law violation, to Penro through hotline number 435-7411.
They may also coordinate with their respective Cenro offices or city and municipal governments, Rostata said.