A Russian animal rescue group reports that 32 dolphins have died following a fuel oil spill in the Kerch Strait, with most believed to belong to the endangered Azov species.
In short:
- The oil spill, caused by two storm-damaged tankers three weeks ago, released heavy fuel oil into the Kerch Strait, a vital shipping route.
- Russia’s Delfa Dolphin Rescue and Research Center said 61 cetaceans overall have been found dead since the spill, though some deaths predated the incident.
- Russian officials have removed over 96,000 tons of contaminated sand and soil from affected shorelines.
Key quote:
“Judging by the condition of the bodies, most likely the majority of these cetaceans died in the first 10 days after the disaster. And now the sea continues to wash them up.”
— Delfa Dolphin Rescue and Research Center
Why this matters:
Oil spills pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, particularly in regions like the Black Sea, where endangered species like Azov dolphins face declining populations. Environmental disasters in contested regions can also worsen geopolitical tensions.
