RRI.CO.ID, Kupang - A total of 55 short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) were reported stranded on Mbadokai Beach, Fuafuni Village, Southwest Rote subdistrict, Rote Ndao Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, between Monday night, March 9, and Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, through the Kupang National Marine Conservation Area Center (BKKPN), together with local authorities, conservation organizations, regional administrations, and residents, responded immediately. Of the 55 whales, 34 were successfully rescued and guided back to the sea, while 21 died.
“Twenty-one whales were declared dead due to stranding,” said BKKPN Kupang Head Imam Fauzi in Kupang on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, as quoted by Antara.
Imam explained that of the 21 dead whales, eight were male and 13 female. Four were calves, and 17 were adults. The field team conducted identification, measurements, and necropsies on the carcasses for documentation, scientific study, and cause-of-death analysis.
Measurements showed that the largest whale was a male approximately 5.1 meters long, while the smallest was about 2.4 meters.
To handle the carcasses, the team coordinated with the Rote Ndao Regency Administration. The Public Works and Public Housing Agency (PUPR) deployed an excavator to assist with safe burial to prevent environmental impact.
“The burial of the whale carcasses was completed at 7:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday,” Imam said.
During the process, officials reminded residents not to take or consume any part of the whales, stressing that they are a protected species and their conservation must be ensured. ***
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