Fourth dead dolphin in North Corfu in just a few months
CORFU. Serious concern for Ionian Sea marine life and ecosystems.
(Spyridoula Kokkali) On Friday morning, April 11, another dead dolphin was found, this time on Roda beach in North Corfu. This is the fourth dolphin to wash ashore in the area within just a few months, and the first that does not belong to the species of Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus), like the previous three, but to that of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), one of the most common yet vulnerable species in Greek seas.
The three previous Risso’s dolphins were found in the area of Acharavi. The first two washed ashore dead, and the third died the following day despite efforts by a veterinarian and a team from the Municipality of North Corfu. At the same time, there have also been many recorded incidents of sea turtle deaths along the wider coastline. The phenomenon is causing concern and raises critical questions about the health of our marine ecosystems.
As Deputy Mayor for Environment and Circular Economy of the Municipality of North Corfu, I was in direct communication with Professor Anastasia Komninou, Veterinarian at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and founder of the NGO “Arion,” to coordinate documentation and scientific investigation efforts.
In collaboration with “Arion – Research Center for the Rescue and Care of Cetaceans,” the Municipality of North Corfu and the Civil Protection Service are moving forward with coordinated actions to record and assess the causes behind these ongoing losses.
This is a multifactorial phenomenon that may be linked to pollution, the increase in underwater noise, environmental diseases or other human-induced pressures, and it requires collective vigilance and active participation from the local community.
We urge the public and visitors to stay connected with nature and to immediately notify the appropriate authorities if they encounter injured or dead marine animals.
Useful Contacts:
– Municipality of North Corfu: 26633 60155
– Deputy Mayor of Civil Protection, Theofanis Skembris: 6944 555184
– Deputy Mayor of Circular Economy, Environment and Public Relations, Spyridoula Kokkali: 6978 614699
– Head of Civil Protection, Giorgos Mavropoulos: 6974 469412
The protection of marine life is everyone’s responsibility. Not only for the environment, but also for the future of our children and the sustainability of our region.
Photos: FB / Spyridoula Kokkali
