Malaysia: Dead dolphin found washed ashore on Kedah beach

Zuliaty Zulkiffli New Straits Times 4 Apr 19;

ALOR STAR: The carcass of a dolphin was found washed ashore at a beach near Alor Ibus, Jalan Kuala Tebengau, here, yesterday.

Rantau Abang Fisheries Research Institute's Marine Mammals branch chief Mohd Tamimi Ali Ahmad said the marine mammal carcass was found about seven kilometers from where a dead whale was discovered.

He said checks revealed the adult dolphin belonged to the Irrawaddy dolphin species or its scientific name is Orcaella Brevirostris. It measured 2.5 meters in length and weigh about 250 kilograms.

"We had never come across incidents of the two species being washed ashore at the same time on the same day, but investigations are ongoing."

Harian Metro yesterday reported that a man, who was hunting for crabs, discovered the carcass of a Bryde's whale on the shores of Kuala Sala, Yan.

The young female whale, measuring 3.9 meters long, 2.62 meters in diameter, and weighing 1.5 tons (1,360kg) was believed to have died for the past four days, with its stomach cut open.

Meanwhile, Kedah State Fisheries Department and Rantau Abang FRI are conducting a post mortem to determine the cause of death.

According to the Fisheries Department's record, a Bryde's whale was stranded at the Pulau Sayak beach, Kedah in February 2011.