The situation with mass deaths of marine mammals on Russia's Black Sea coast is reaching alarming proportions. According to the "Delfa" dolphin rescue center, over 100 dead dolphins were found on the Krasnodar Region coastline in March 2025, with an additional 23 cases recorded in the first ten days of April.
"We are observing an unprecedented increase in marine mammal mortality in this region," stated Tatyana Beley, director of the "Delfa" center, in an interview with TASS on April 10.
Experts note that the Black Sea is currently in its seasonal period of cetacean strandings, which typically lasts from March to June. During this time, animals are particularly vulnerable due to weakened immunity after winter. However, in 2025, the situation has been significantly exacerbated by the consequences of a recent fuel oil spill in the area.
Among the dead animals, specialists have identified representatives of three dolphin species, including the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena relicta), which is listed in Russia's Red Book of endangered species and is on the verge of complete extinction.
Since 2018, when the "Delfa" center began systematically recording marine mammal deaths, more than 1,600 dolphin deaths have been documented. However, specialists emphasize that the real numbers could be significantly higher, as most deceased animals never reach the shore.
Environmentalists are urging authorities to take urgent measures to investigate the causes of mass dolphin deaths and strengthen environmental protection activities in the Black Sea waters.
"We are observing an unprecedented increase in marine mammal mortality in this region," stated Tatyana Beley, director of the "Delfa" center, in an interview with TASS on April 10.
Experts note that the Black Sea is currently in its seasonal period of cetacean strandings, which typically lasts from March to June. During this time, animals are particularly vulnerable due to weakened immunity after winter. However, in 2025, the situation has been significantly exacerbated by the consequences of a recent fuel oil spill in the area.
Among the dead animals, specialists have identified representatives of three dolphin species, including the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena relicta), which is listed in Russia's Red Book of endangered species and is on the verge of complete extinction.
Since 2018, when the "Delfa" center began systematically recording marine mammal deaths, more than 1,600 dolphin deaths have been documented. However, specialists emphasize that the real numbers could be significantly higher, as most deceased animals never reach the shore.
Environmentalists are urging authorities to take urgent measures to investigate the causes of mass dolphin deaths and strengthen environmental protection activities in the Black Sea waters.