According to the worst estimates, more than a third of the 250,000 dolphins would have died. A Ukrainian marine biologist describes the situation as an environmental disaster.
At least 50,000 Black Sea dolphins have died as a result of Russia’s continuous attacks in Ukraine, estimates a Ukrainian marine biologist Ivan Rusev.
Rusev says in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that he is shocked by the number of dolphin carcasses washed up on the shores of the protected Tuzly Lagoon Nature Park in Odessa. According to the current estimate, the number of corpses ranges from 50,000 to 100,000.
– If the worst estimates are correct, more than a third of the 250,000 dolphins in the Black Sea may have died as a result of the war, says Rusev.
According to researchers, it may take more than 30 years for the Black Sea dolphin population to recover to pre-war levels.
According to Rusev, mines, underwater explosions and submarine sonar used by the Russians for navigation have caused an environmental disaster for marine wildlife. Submarine sounders have been the deadliest for dolphins.
Evidence is collected for the future
According to Rusev, evidence of the dolphin deaths is being collected so that Ukraine can one day go to international courts to hold Russia accountable for the large-scale destruction of the country’s natural habitat.
Among other things, Rusev’s team has collected remains of dolphins so that autopsies can be performed in German and Italian laboratories.
Rusev also brings up his plan to help the Black Sea dolphin population recover. Rusev proposes that Ukraine establish a 300,000 square kilometer protected water area that would stretch from the coast to Käärmesaari.
– We need a large water conservation area where there would be no fishermen, no poachers and, most importantly, no war, Rusev plans.
You can discuss the topic on 6.12. until 11 p.m.