Malaysia: Dead dolphin in Penang sparks concern

Looi Sue-Chern New Straits Times 22 Nov 11;


The carcass of a dolphin with a rope around its head found rotting on the rocky shores of Persiaran Gurney in Penang. Pic by Ramdzan Masiam

A dolphin’s carcass which was washed ashore has raised concerns on the vulnerability of marine mammals to fishing activities

THE discovery of a dead dolphin on the rocky shores off Persiaran Gurney has again raised concerns on the vulnerability of marine mammals in the North Channel.

Malaysian Nature Society (Penang branch) adviser D. Kanda Kumar said it was common for dolphins in Penang waters to get caught in fishing nets and die.

"It is not uncommon for dolphins to get caught in fishermen's nets.

"It is a worldwide problem, but in the West, there is more awareness among the fishing communities.

"Here, we will need more of such awareness-raising efforts to educate our fishermen to take care where they throw their nets."

Kanda said old and unwanted fishing nets were sometimes discarded into the sea and could potentially cause marine creatures like dolphins to get entangled in them.

The carcass of the dolphin was lying on the rocks next to a long piece of wood with ropes attached. There was also a rope around its head.

It is believed that the dolphin, a juvenile, had been dead for days, but it is not known how long the carcass had been at Persiaran Gurney and whether the animal had died before its carcass was washed ashore.

Dolphins, especially bottlenose, are commonly found off the coastal waters of Penang.