Ecocide off the coast of Odesa: dolphin mortality from hostilities recorded in the Black Sea

War has a devastating impact on aquatic ecosystems, leading to the death of fish, mollusks, plankton and the degradation of entire habitats, reports the press service of the State Ecological Inspectorate of the South-Western District. It is difficult to determine the full picture of losses.

Shelling and missile strikes on industrial facilities, oil depots and chemical plants cause heavy metals, oil products and explosive residues to enter rivers, lakes and seas, which poison aquatic organisms and cause their mass death.

Hostilities, destruction of hydraulic structures, explosions and movement of heavy equipment destroy spawning grounds, forage bases and coastal strips, disrupting natural ecosystems.

Underwater explosions, military vessels and sonar create loud noise that disorients fish and marine mammals, causing stress and even death, especially for dolphins in the Black Sea.

The destruction of dams and other infrastructure causes uncontrolled water loss or flooding, changing the natural flow of rivers and the living conditions of aquatic organisms.

Dolphin mortality is recorded in the Black Sea, the cause of which is acoustic stress and pollution caused by war. The State Environmental Inspectorate constantly documents the facts of environmental violations in order to bring those responsible to justice and ensure compensation for damage.