A young whale appeared lifeless on the shore of Playas de Tijuana., an event that attracted numerous curious onlookers and sparked debate about the handling of these strandings on the Baja California coast.
The specimen was finally buried in the same strip of sand by municipal personnel in coordination with Profepa, while pressure from environmental groups grows to clarify the causes of death.
Chronology of the discovery and the operation
The stranding was reported on Monday at the height of Lifeguard Station No. 14, in the Gardens section, where tourists and residents approached to observe the marine mammal.
There was initial confusion over apparent body movements, but Profepa indicated that the animal had been dead for more than 24 hours and that these gestures could be due to post-mortem reactions.
The work to remove and dispose of the body began on Tuesday at around 6:45 a.m.Taking advantage of the low tide, the coastal area was prepared with the support of City Hall backhoes for burial on the beach.
The burial process lasted several hours. until around 13:30 p.m., the body was covered under the sand in a pit between three and four meters deep, designed to reduce health and odor risks.
The operation was carried out with the presence of municipal personnel and Profepa, while dozens of people watched the maneuvers and, in some cases, broke through the security tapes despite the warnings.
What the authorities and specialists say
Environmental groups demanded that an autopsy not be performed. to the specimen, a test that is part of the protocols for stranding marine mammals and that allows identifying causes of death and associated risks.
Members of the Kilometer One association stressed that, on a global scale, more whale strandings and deaths are being recorded than last year, in addition to a decrease in the number of calves, which is why they demand greater scientific rigor in each case.
Although burial is a contemplated disposal option When studies are not conducted, activists insist that prior analysis would provide valuable data for managing future incidents and for the health of the marine ecosystem.
Among the neighbors, assessments about possible human factors emerged., with complaints about water pollution and poor coastal care, perceptions that the authorities are asking to be assessed with scientific evidence following the corresponding inspections.
Recent figures and context in Baja California
Specialists have documented an increase in cetacean deaths in the region. during their tours along the Baja California coast, with more than 90 specimens counted between last November and April.
Each stranding should be translated into verifiable information to refine conservation measures, detect threats, and improve institutional response to emergencies in the open sea and coastal areas.
Recommendations and safety in the area
The City Council asked to keep the distance and respect the safety cordons, both due to the passage of machinery and the risks of body decomposition, which include gas accumulation and infections.
In case of sighting stranded marine fauna, it is recommended to notify the competent authorities and avoid direct manipulation, photograph from a distance and not trespass into restricted areas to facilitate the work of the teams.
The case leaves a closed operation on the beach and several open questions. regarding the death of the specimen, compliance with protocols, and the need to strengthen scientific research in the face of the increase in strandings in the region.