Jakarta, IO – Extreme weather that hit almost all regions in Indonesia has also affected marine life. A dugong, a species of marine mammal commonly known as “sea cows”, was found dead by fishermen in Bawean Island, Gresik, East Java, reported CNN Indonesia, Friday (30/12).
Estimated to weigh about 200kg, it was stranded after being swept away by the strong waves due on the island. “It has been buried but due to tidal wave, its carcass floated to the surface again,” said Lebak village chief Fadal.
“The dugong died from injuries to its head and other parts of its body. We suspect it was struck by debris from the ocean,” he added. The local residents finally managed to bury it near the location of the discovery on Thursday (29/12).
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Fadal said in the last few days fishermen have often seen a number of dugongs eating seaweed on the Bawean coast. He suspects that the activity of the dugongs occurred due to bad weather accompanied by high waves and strong currents which dragged them to the shoreline. (un)