Sarawak’s Marine Environment: A Haven for Endangered Sei Whales
A New Record for Sarawak’s Marine Mammal Species
The discovery of a sei whale carcass on a sand bar near the construction site of the Triso Bridge in November has sent shockwaves through the scientific community. The carcass, which has been confirmed to be that of a sei whale, an endangered species found in the southwest Pacific and Indian oceans, marks the first confirmed record of a sei whale in Sarawak waters.
A Rare Sight in Sarawak’s Waters
According to Sarawak Forestry Corporation general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran, the discovery is a significant one, as it brings the total number of marine mammal species recorded in Sarawak’s coastal and offshore waters to 25. The sei whale, which is one of the fastest whales, is a member of the baleen whale family, which includes dolphins and porpoises.
A Pristine Environment
The high diversity of marine mammal species in Sarawak’s waters reflects the health and pristine condition of the state’s marine environment, Abang Arabi was quoted as saying. The discovery of the sei whale carcass is a testament to the importance of preserving and protecting the marine environment, which is home to a wide range of species.
A Brief History of Sei Whales
The sei whale, which can grow up to 20m in length and weigh about 20 tonnes, was once on the brink of extinction due to hunting in the 1920s and 1930s. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), sei whales inhabit all oceans and adjoining seas except in tropical and polar regions.
Conclusion
The discovery of the sei whale carcass is a significant milestone in the study of marine mammals in Sarawak. It highlights the importance of preserving and protecting the state’s marine environment, which is home to a wide range of species. As we continue to learn more about the marine ecosystem, it is essential that we take steps to protect and preserve it for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a sei whale?
A sei whale is a type of baleen whale that can grow up to 20m in length and weigh about 20 tonnes. - Where are sei whales found?
Sei whales are found in the southwest Pacific and Indian oceans, and can inhabit all oceans and adjoining seas except in tropical and polar regions. - Why are sei whales endangered?
Sei whales were once on the brink of extinction due to hunting in the 1920s and 1930s. - What is the significance of the discovery of the sei whale carcass in Sarawak?
The discovery of the sei whale carcass is the first confirmed record of a sei whale in Sarawak waters, and brings the total number of marine mammal species recorded in Sarawak’s coastal and offshore waters to 25.