On November 29, 2024, a whale carcass was found stranded on Legian Beach, in front of Hotel Bali Niksoma, Badung Regency. Measuring 7 meters long and 2 meters wide, the whale was discovered in a decomposed state with its abdomen ruptured, exposing internal organs. Initial suspicions suggest the whale died after being entangled in fishing nets before being carried to shore by ocean currents.
Discovery Chronology Whales Stranded
According to the Badung Environmental and Sanitation Agency (LHK), the whale was detected midday after strong waves brought it ashore. Beach staff reported the finding to the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), which dispatched a team immediately. BKSDA staff member Komang Adi stated the whale likely died at sea 3-4 days earlier, with its advanced decomposition preventing on-site identification of its species or gender.
Suspected Cause of Death
The whale likely succumbed to entanglement in fishing nets, one of the leading threats to marine mammals in Indonesia. BKSDA Bali head Ratna Hendratmoko highlighted how such entanglements impede movement, ultimately causing death. Other contributing factors include ocean current changes and pollution.
Handling Process
Source: @legianterkini
After collecting samples for further analysis, authorities collaborated with beach management to bury the whale carcass using heavy equipment. The burial was conducted on-site to prevent environmental contamination and maintain coastal cleanliness.
Dr. Steven from the Westerlaken Foundation emphasized the importance of swift action in handling stranded whales to prevent disease spread from decaying marine mammals.
Similar Incidents in Bali
Stranded whales are not new to Bali. A 10-meter sperm whale was found in Legian in December 2023, with similar cases reported in Seminyak in 2022, reflecting rising occurrences tied to human-induced factors like pollution and habitat disturbance.
Public Advisory
BKSDA Bali urges the public to report stranded marine animals promptly for effective rescue or handling. Collaboration between the government, environmental organizations, and communities is crucial to maintaining healthy marine ecosystems and preventing future incidents.
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