Concern and questions about dolphins being washed ashore
CORFU. Announcement from Corfu Social and Environmental Initiative.
(Corfu Social and Environmental Initiative) On Thursday, October 24, two dead striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) were found on the beach at Almyros Acharavi, while a third dolphin was found alive and was returned to the sea with the assistance of residents and relevant authorities. This incident raises serious questions and requires an immediate investigation into the causes that may have led to it.
The sudden loss of these protected species, along with the stranding of the third, may be related to human activities taking place in the broader area. Specifically, we wonder if the recent seismic surveys for hydrocarbon extraction, which are documented to cause noise pollution and strong underwater vibrations, contributed to this tragic event. Furthermore, according to an announcement from NAVTEX, military exercises involving munitions were conducted in the Northern Ionian Sea from October 14 to October 18, 2024. It is known that intense sound explosions and vibrations of this nature can cause disorientation, physical harm, or even death to sensitive marine mammals.
As citizens concerned with the protection of biodiversity and the preservation of the environmental integrity of our region, we publicly call on the responsible authorities. We demand an immediate and thorough investigation into the causes of the death of the two dolphins and the stranding of the third, as well as clear scientific explanations regarding the impacts of the aforementioned activities. We expect immediate and effective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring the protection of the marine ecosystem and biodiversity in our area.
Photo: FB / Spyridoula Kokkali
