A distressing discovery has been made on the coast of Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region: over 100 dead dolphins have washed ashore, leaving officials and local residents baffled about the cause of this mass die-off.
According to Puntland’s fisheries minister, Abdirisak Abdulahi Hagaa, at least 110 dead dolphins have been counted near the port of Bosaso. The scene was described as grim, with local residents and soldiers gathering at the site, reportedly holding their noses due to the odor from the carcasses.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the deaths. Initial examinations have ruled out some potential causes:
- Entanglement in fishing nets: The dolphins showed no signs of wounds or cuts typically associated with net entanglement.
- Toxic materials: Officials believe toxins are unlikely to be the culprit, as fish in the same area appear unaffected.
This leaves the cause of the mass dolphin deaths a mystery. Samples have been collected for further analysis, which will hopefully shed light on this concerning event. The lack of clear indicators makes it difficult to speculate on potential causes, which could range from disease to environmental factors not yet considered.
This incident underscores the vulnerability of marine life and the importance of understanding the factors that can lead to mass die-offs. The investigation into the deaths of these dolphins is crucial not only for determining the immediate cause but also for potentially preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Source: FP
