A female manatee was found dead in the Pozos area, in Cabo redafter being impacted by a boat, said the secretary of the Natural and Environmental Resources Department (Drna), Waldemar Quiles Pérez.
In written statements, the owner of the DRNA said that, “From the initial finding, an external brand could be observed as a result of a strong impact” In the body of the female, which measured approximately 10.5 feet and weighed around 1,000 pounds.
According to Quiles, the necropsy performed to the mammal revealed that he suffered a complete break in two of his ribs and one fracture in another rib.
“One of these injuries pierced the intestine and caused an internal hemorrhage that caused death. The stomach was full, and did not present signs of disease or pre -existing conditions,” added the secretary by pointing out that Death was classified as anthropogenic, that is, caused by human activity.
“The protection of this endangered species is everyone’s responsibility”he added.
For its part, the biologist Grisel Rodríguez Ferrerof the Marine Mammal Rescue Program of Natural Resources, urged citizens to follow the following recommendations to prevent incidents:
- Use polarized glasses to identify the species that swim in the water.
- Reduce the speed of five mile boats in the estuarine areas.
- Do not discard garbage or fishing threads in the sea.
- Respect state and federal navigation regulations
“The coasts of Cabo Rojo, Salinas, Ceiba, Mayagüez and from Naguabo to Fajardo are key habitats for manatees. Prevention is essential to protect them,” said Rodríguez Ferrer.
While, Nilda Jiménez, DRNA biologist, said, in a publication through the networks that, From the Necropsy of the manatee it arises that there could be an orphan manatee baby in the areaso he urged the Nautas of Cabo Rojo to be attentive.
“If the soats, call immediately”Jiménez said.
Anyone who has suspicion or knowledge of some species in danger can callVigilant Corpsto 787-724-5700. You can also report these situations using the applicationDolphin & Whale 911which communicates directly with the marine mammal rescue program.