JEMBRANA, Bali — A dolphin was found dead after washing ashore on Perancak Beach, Jembrana, on Sunday morning, with a large fishing hook lodged in its stomach and signs of external injuries.

The Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus), known for its friendly nature towards local fishermen, was discovered by villagers around 8:00 a.m. and immediately reported to local conservation groups.

“We received the report and went straight to the site,” said Ahmad Januar from the Jembrana branch of the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA).

The female dolphin measured 3 meters in length and had multiple abrasions, especially on its head. A 50-centimeter fishing line was also found hanging from its mouth, believed to be from a snapped tuna fishing line.

“The line couldn’t be pulled out, likely because a hook was still lodged deep inside,” Januar explained.

Following the initial examination, authorities contacted the Indonesia Wildlife Network (JSI), which dispatched a medical team to perform a necropsy. The examination confirmed a large tuna hook embedded in the dolphin’s internal organs, which is believed to have caused a severe infection and led to its death.

“The hook was about 5 centimeters long and caused significant internal injury. The dolphin likely couldn’t eat properly, which led to its weakened condition,” he added.

In addition to the hook injury, the dolphin’s body also showed signs of bite marks, likely from predators that attacked the animal after it became too weak to defend itself in the open sea.

After a full examination, the carcass was buried near the location where it was found to prevent health risks and environmental contamination.