Mystery of 100 dead dolphins on Somali beach sparks probe
On a beach in Puntland, an autonomous region of Somalia, more than 100 dead dolphins washed ashore. The cause of their death remains unknown, and local authorities are conducting an investigation.
Minister of Fisheries Abdirisak Abdulahi Hagaa informed that biologists have taken samples from the dolphins' bodies. "So far, we know their death was not caused by wounds from nets because there were no wounds or cuts on them,” Hagaa reported.
Some of the marine mammals were saved. Those in the best condition were transported back to the water.
Only dolphins were affected
Researchers suspect the cause could have been toxic substances in Somali waters. However, Hagaa noted that if this were true, other marine species would also have suffered.
The ministry suggested that there might have been a change in seawater conditions, leading to food shortages. Dolphins (or the fish they fed on) might also have been suffering from a disease. Another potential cause considered was marine noise, which affected the behavior of the mammals and forced them to seek peace in shallower waters. A special investigation has been initiated.
