Over 1.2 lakh dolphins feared dead in Black Sea due to Russia-Ukraine war, Ukrainian researchers estimate

The war between Russia and Ukraine is affecting more than human beings. Besides destroying lives and basic infrastructure, it is causing heavy damage to nature. The marine life of the Black Sea is now bearing the brunt of this human conflict.

Ukrainian researchers have estimated that more than 1.2 lakh dolphins and other marine mammals have died so far because of the war. This has put the natural ecosystem of the Black Sea under serious threat. The cost is said to be very heavy, and humans will have to pay it in the years ahead.

The powerful sonar systems used by the Russian military, missile launches and underwater explosions are proving fatal for dolphins. Dolphins rely on echo-based systems to find their way and locate food. The loud noise of the war is impairing this natural ability. They are finding it hard to navigate, communicate with one another and find food.

Some dolphins are being found dead on the shore, while the carcasses of many sink to the sea floor. For this reason, it is difficult even to count how many have actually died.

Several warships, oil tankers and cargo vessels have been damaged during the war. As a result, oil, fuel and other chemicals have leaked into the sea in large quantities, and the leakage is still continuing. The pollution is affecting fish, shellfish and many other aquatic creatures. The researchers also said that shore birds are being hit by the noise of drones and explosions. With the food chain being disrupted, the entire marine ecosystem is at risk.

According to an estimate by Ivan Rusev, head of research at Ukraine's Tuzly Lagoons National Park, dolphin deaths rose sharply after the war began in 2022. The estimated toll has crossed 1.2 lakh by 2026. Researchers say that, given the total population of marine mammals in the Black Sea, this is a very big blow.

Even after the war ends, it could take 30 to 50 years for this marine life to return to its earlier condition. There is therefore concern that the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the environment will last for several decades. The war has also put natural wealth at stake.