The death of a dolphin found on Colva beach has sent alarm bells ringing in coastal communities and among environmentalists. Incidentally, this is the latest of a string of sea creature deaths and injuries reported in the last couple of days. Dolphins have reportedly been found dead in Cavelossim, Baga, Varca, Zalor, Benaulim and now at Colva. This is a matter of great concern.
According to a study last year, about a third of all marine animals across the globe could vanish within 300 years as oceans absorb the excess heat created by humans. It is learnt that already by 2021, oceans did contain more heat energy than at any point since record-keeping began six decades ago. In some cases, scientists say climate change may be leading to more algal blooms and other events that starve fish of oxygen. Warming oceans and marine heat waves are driving sea creatures from their normal habitats.
Dolphins are susceptible to numerous threats, ranging from industrial and agricultural pollution to drilling for oil and gas. Though there are many different dolphin species in oceans, rivers, and waterways all over the world, most tend to have a wild lifespan of around 20 to 40 years. Local fishermen at Benaulim were shocked to see several dead sea-birds washed ashore. Since much of the oil from oil-spills floats on water surface, the creatures most affected by oil spill are marine mammals and sea birds. The oil coats their furs and feathers reducing their insulating ability making them more vulnerable to temperature fluctuations and less buoyant in water. This leads to their death. Turtles are caught in ghost nets and unless rescued they could die prematurely. There needs to be a comprehensive marine conservation strategy in place.
