THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Davao Region (Bfar-Davao) has yet to investigate the death of a Cuvier’s beaked whale found near Pier 1, Sta. Ana pier, Davao City, on February 22, 2025. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recovered the carcass after a concerned citizen reported it floating in the area around 3 p.m.
Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) is known for its deep-diving abilities and is widely distributed across the world's oceans, typically inhabiting deep waters far from shore. It has a slender body, a short, blunt beak, and a distinctive melon-shaped head.
Personnel from the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) Sta. Ana, along with the Coast Guard Intelligence Unit and Maritime Police Davao, secured the site and coordinated with BFAR-Davao for assessment and proper disposal of the carcass.
Bfar-Davao marine mammal specialist Dr. Rogelio Gukotano confirmed the whale measured 17.3 feet long, 8.4 feet wide, and weighed about 700 kilograms. However, the cause of death remains unknown, pending further investigation.
SunStar Davao has reached out to Bfar-Davao for comment but has yet to receive a response. DEF