The carcasses of between 5 to 11 finless porpoises were reportedly found stranded off the coast of Arugam Bay on Sunday (04).
Issuing a statement, Marine Biologist Asha de Vos said some were found just past the Southern point of Arugam Bay while others were seen in the middle of the Bay by the bridge.
Finless porpoises are usually found singly or in groups of 10, and are found in shallow coastal waters including bays, estuaries, and mangrove swamps, she explained.
Asha de Vos further said that the carcasses found off Arugam Bay are fresh with one having had its eye gauged out.
While it is necessary to conduct necropsies to fully ascertain the cause of death, it is speculated that these porpoises may have gotten entangled in fishing nets and were discarded, she said.
Asha de Vos added that the carcasses have be taken over by relevant authorities to conduct further investigations. (NewsWire)
Dead whales (pilot or pygmy whales) have been reported to be gushing onto the east coast beaches. These records are from Arugambay.
Sudden incidents have started 3 days prior and is continuing#LKA #whales #dead #ArugamBay #beaching #news #update #report #MEPA pic.twitter.com/T5UC1s2Rm5
— The Pearl Protectors (@PearlProtectors) October 7, 2020