TAGANAK ISLAND, Tawi-Tawi (MindaNews / 5 Nov) — The municipal government is considering captive breeding for sea otters to raise awareness and protect them from harm after reports of locals hurting or killing the animals.
Taganak Vice Mayor Hji Mohammad Faizal H. Jamalul said they are also drafting penalties to deter harm against the species. Locals and officials report at least two sea otters frequenting the island’s beaches and neighborhoods.
Jamalul plans to meet with the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) this month to discuss captive care. He expressed concern over the otters’ declining numbers, noting that while they once numbered 13, neglect and harm have reduced their population.
Locals claim the otters have bitten children, prompting fears. Jamalul believes government care would better protect them, with penalties for those who harm them still under discussion.
Municipal Tourism Officer Abrille Y. Oraiz reported at least 10 bite incidents since 2020, though none resulted in rabies. The otters, locally called “anjing laut” (Malay for sea dogs), may have drifted from Malaysia via driftwood.
Reports suggest the otters have bred, with one pup born last October. Some locals believe the remaining otters are male, though this remains unconfirmed. The animals frequent coastal sites where humans feed them fish, even waiting for returning fishermen.
Population estimates vary—Oraiz cites seven, while Jamalul recalls 13. MindaNews obtained a photo of four otters and captured videos of two separate pairs.
Oraiz said locals are being educated to protect the otters as potential tourist attractions. The animals coexist peacefully with sea turtles, showing no predatory behavior toward them or their eggs. (Yas D. Ocampo / MindaNews)
