Over 100 dead dolphins have washed up along the coast of Russia, with a total of 137 being found lifeless in the Krasnodar Territory and Sirius region. Over 101 of these dolphins were stranded in just the last week. The dolphins had obvious signs of being victims of bycatch, with deep scratches, missing fins, extensive wounds, and some even with ripped open bellies. Bycatch occurs when marine mammals become tangled in fishing nets, and the fishermen may try to get rid of the bodies to hide the fact of bycatch. The rescue center Delfa, which has been receiving numerous calls about the dead dolphins, believes that an increase in the yearly quota for flounder fish, and the nets used for this catch, may be contributing to the rise in dolphin deaths.
Marine mammal strandings are not uncommon, but it is rare for such large numbers of dolphins to wash up in the same area within a short span of time. Dolphins that wash up while still alive typically die as they cannot survive out of the water for long periods. The most common reasons for stranding are sickness and injury, although sometimes the exact cause remains a mystery. Delfa has been trying to save any dolphins found still alive, but the large number of deaths presents a significant challenge. Bycatch poses a serious risk to marine life, as fishermen may discard animals caught in nets, such as dolphins, that they cannot use or bring to shore. Even if an animal is released, they can sustain life-threatening injuries from the nets, leading to death or stranding.
Efforts have been made to investigate the possible reasons for the increase in dolphin deaths, including taking samples from the bodies to analyze the causes of death. Bycatch, which is a global issue, poses a serious threat to marine mammals and other sea creatures. The rescue center Delfa has called for alternative fishing methods to be considered to reduce the harm to dolphins and other marine life. They highlight the need to revise fishing rules to prevent further deaths that could lead to the Black Sea being left without dolphins. Marine mammal strandings are often the result of various factors, including diseases and injuries caused by human activities such as fishing.
The rescue center Delfa is concerned about the welfare of marine mammals and is working to raise awareness about the dangers of bycatch and the need for more sustainable fishing practices. Bycatch is a major threat to dolphins and other sea creatures, as they can suffer fatal injuries from fishing nets and other equipment. The increase in dolphin deaths in Russia highlights the need for stronger regulations and enforcement to protect marine life. The rescue center’s efforts to investigate the causes of the dolphin deaths and raise awareness about the issue are important steps towards preventing further harm to dolphins and other marine animals. Newsweek is committed to covering stories like this and encourages readers to share any tips or questions they may have.
