Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/2012/perus-dolphin-die-off
Thousands of dolphins may have died in Peru's massive die-off; cause could remain mystery
When a retired fisherman called to report that about 1,500 dolphins had washed up dead on Peru?s northern coast, veterinarian Carlos Yaip?n?s first reaction was, ?That?s impossible.? But when Yaip?n traveled up the coast last week, he counted 615 dead dolphins along a 135-kilometer stretch of coastline. Now, the death toll could be as high as 2,800, based on volunteers? counts. Peru's massive dolphin die-off is among the largest ever reported worldwide. The strandings, which began in January, are a marine mystery that may never be unraveled. The causes could be acoustic impact from testing for oil or perhaps an unknown disease. In addition, stress or toxic contaminants can make marine mammals more vulnerable to pathogens such as viruses, said Peter Ross, a research scientist at Canada?s Institute of Ocean Sciences. In a mass die-off, ?there might be a smoking gun, but often we find that it?s two or three or four factors,? said Ross...
By Barbara Fraser
Environmental Health News
April 6, 2012
Thousands of dolphins may have died in Peru's massive die-off; cause could remain mystery
When a retired fisherman called to report that about 1,500 dolphins had washed up dead on Peru?s northern coast, veterinarian Carlos Yaip?n?s first reaction was, ?That?s impossible.? But when Yaip?n traveled up the coast last week, he counted 615 dead dolphins along a 135-kilometer stretch of coastline. Now, the death toll could be as high as 2,800, based on volunteers? counts. Peru's massive dolphin die-off is among the largest ever reported worldwide. The strandings, which began in January, are a marine mystery that may never be unraveled. The causes could be acoustic impact from testing for oil or perhaps an unknown disease. In addition, stress or toxic contaminants can make marine mammals more vulnerable to pathogens such as viruses, said Peter Ross, a research scientist at Canada?s Institute of Ocean Sciences. In a mass die-off, ?there might be a smoking gun, but often we find that it?s two or three or four factors,? said Ross...
By Barbara Fraser
Environmental Health News
April 6, 2012