Dozens Of Pilot Whales Stranded On The Coast Of NTT

KUPANG - As many as 11 pilot whales stranded on the Lie Jaka beach, Ledeunu Village, Sabu Raijua Regency, NTT. One whale was rescued.

"Based on the results of visual monitoring, it shows that a number of whales are pilot whales," Head of the Kupang National Marine Protected Area (BKKPN) Ikram Sangadji told Antara, Thursday, July 31.

Ten pilot whales were declared dead. Meanwhile, one more tail was rescued by local residents and fishermen.

According to Ikram, the size of the stranded whale is estimated to be 2-7 meters. Pilot Whales are known to be a group of whales that often cluster.

"It is possible that the number of stranded pilot whales will continue to grow," he added.

The dead whales will be buried by the citizens. The carcass is secured by tying it so that it does not drift back.

According to Ikram, the number of marine mammals that were stranded in NTT waters in July was due to the movement of currents carrying plankton to coastal areas.

"Because of the fun of eating, they finally didn't realize that the sea water was receding, making it difficult to return to the deep sea. Not to mention the many injuries caused by coral scratches while trying to return to the deep sea," he said.