More than 20 dead dolphins were found on the coast of a national park in the Odesa region within a single day, highlighting the growing ecological crisis in the Black Sea. Similar incidents have recently been recorded along the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria, while some dolphins have been observed in a severely disoriented state, showing symptoms consistent with acoustic trauma.
Scientists attribute the mass mortality primarily to the environmental consequences of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Explosions, missile launches, and the use of powerful military sonar systems are believed to disrupt dolphins’ navigation and communication abilities, causing disorientation and increasing mortality rates.
Researchers warn that the deaths of dolphins are a visible indicator of broader ecosystem degradation in the Black Sea. Combined exposure to chemical pollution and intense underwater noise threatens the survival of unique Black Sea cetacean populations and may have long-term consequences for marine biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. The situation underscores the urgent need for international attention to the environmental impacts of war on marine ecosystems.
Location
Odeca
