Tragedy in the Black Sea: Over 5,000 Dolphins Die Due to Russia’s Naval Operations, Scientists Say

The Black Sea has become a scene of tragedy for marine life as over 5,000 dolphins have lost their lives, with scientists attributing the deaths to Russia’s naval operations. Biologist Ivan Rusev, working at Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park in Ukraine’s southern Odessa region, has revealed the alarming toll on the dolphin population, blaming the use of sonar devices by Vladimir Putin’s naval forces.

According to Rusev, the actual number of dolphin casualties may be even higher, as only around five percent of the deceased dolphins are washing ashore. The remaining 95 percent are sinking to the bottom of the Black Sea, making them virtually undetectable and uncountable from the shore. The unfortunate situation has led Rusev and animal rights group Open Cages Ukraine to assert that tens of thousands of dolphins may have already perished during the conflict.

The root cause of this devastating loss lies in the use of sonar by Russian naval vessels in the Black Sea. Sonar devices emit sound waves, which can severely impact marine life, particularly dolphins. These sound waves interfere with dolphins’ navigation and echolocation abilities, crucial for locating objects, navigating through water, finding food, and avoiding threats. As a result, dolphins are left disoriented, distressed, and paralyzed, making it difficult for them to avoid mines, nets, and other dangerous obstacles in their path.

Additionally, explosions from bombardments have further endangered dolphins, causing some of them to go “blind” as the sound waves disrupt their acoustic control over the environment. “Blind” dolphins suffer from stress and panic, leading to collisions with various hazards and exhaustion due to an inability to find food.

Conservationists and researchers have been deeply troubled by the increasing number of dead dolphins washing ashore in the Black Sea. In the past, dolphins were often found with injuries caused by nets or encounters with fishermen. However, the current casualties are different, leaving many dolphins untouched and raising alarm among scientists.Conservationists and researchers have been deeply troubled by the increasing number of dead dolphins washing ashore in the Black Sea. In the past, dolphins were often found with injuries caused by nets or encounters with fishermen. However, the current casualties are different, leaving many dolphins untouched and raising alarm among scientists.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has had dire consequences for marine life, further endangering the already declining dolphin population in the Black Sea. To mitigate the impact and recover the dolphin population, Ivan Rusev urges the establishment of a national park in the northwestern waters of the Black Sea once the war has ended.

The devastating loss of thousands of dolphins serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of naval operations on marine ecosystems. As the Black Sea dolphin population continues to face grave threats, the international community calls for measures to protect and preserve these magnificent creatures and their delicate habitats.