Ichthyologist Archil Guchmanidze has reported a sharp increase in dolphin deaths on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, linking the trend, among other factors, to the war in the region.
In an interview with Batumelebi, he stated that between March 1 and May 1, about 40 dolphins washed ashore on the stretch from Sarpi to Anaklia alone, marking the highest figure in the last 10 years of observations.
The specialist has been monitoring dolphin strandings on the Georgian coast for 17 years and states that such figures have never been recorded before.
Guchmanidze explained that previously, the primary causes of marine mammal deaths were believed to be diseases, water pollution, fishing nets, and vessel strikes. However, in recent years, according to him, another factor has emerged—military actions in the northern part of the Black Sea, namely:
- he believes that combat operations, the operation of underwater and surface drones, explosions, and signal jamming systems in the northern Black Sea can disorient dolphins. Since sound travels faster in water than in air, the noise and vibrations associated with the war can cause stress and loss of orientation in the animals, leading them to beach themselves.
At the same time, the ichthyologist emphasizes that the exact cause of the mass deaths can only be established through comprehensive research—laboratory analyses, necropsies, and water quality studies. Guchmanidze stated that such studies are currently virtually not being conducted.
The ichthyologist points out that the issue concerns not only ecology but also biological safety. He notes that dolphins are warm-blooded animals that share common diseases with humans, and the carcasses of stranded animals can come into contact with people, birds, and domestic animals.
Georgia’s National Environmental Agency stated in response to the issue that specialists have already inspected the coastline following reports of an increase in dolphin strandings, but no final conclusions have been reached yet. According to the agency, the question of launching a full-scale investigation remains open.