Two shocking mass die-offs have made the headlines within the last 5 days. On March 22, 2018, 143 whales died after a mass-stranding at Hamelin Bay, 10km north of Augusta, Australia. Now, just 2 days after, 61 short-beaked dolphins were found washed ashore on a beach resort in Argentina. 49 died and 12 were saved. This mass die-off is unprecedented, as it represents the first case of marine mammals being stranded in this region of Argentina.
Authorities in northern Argentina are trying to solve a mystery after dozens of dead dolphins reportedly washed ashore on a resort beach.
Of the many short-beaked dolphins stranded on the beach in Puerto Medryn, 49 died, while 12 were able to return to sea.
A couple who noticed a high amount of birds on the beach discovered the dolphins and alerted officials. Argentina’s Secretary of Protected Areas says a large killer whale presence in the area may have driven the dolphins closer to shore. What about military exercises? Pollution / radiation? Underwater noises? Epidemic?
We are next.
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