Spring 2026, particularly May, has entered the history of the Black Sea's ecology as a period of unprecedented tragedy. The waters are witnessing a mass die-off of dolphins, along with cases of concussion. The bodies of deceased animals are being discovered in various locations: from the coast of the Odesa region to the waters of occupied Crimea and Novorossiysk.
RBC-Ukraine reports this, citing Ivan Rusev, head of the research department of the "Tuzlovsky Limans" National Nature Park. The expert describes the situation as a synergistic ecological catastrophe, where the death of animals is caused by a combination of several critical factors.
Catastrophe Within the Organism
Specialists who examined the deceased cetaceans identified critical malfunctions of their internal organs. The animals suffered from convulsions, severe pain syndrome, exhaustion, and dehydration. The condition of the dolphins indicates that they were under the influence of powerful stress and toxic substances.
Attempting to save such animals presents particular difficulties. Ecologists note that even after first aid is administered or the dolphin is moved to deeper water, its survival instinct kicks in. The animal attempts to return to its pod, making a lunge that often proves to be its last.
"This could be the so-called 'false improvement effect' fueled by adrenaline. Unfortunately, if the internal organs are already critically damaged by poisons or due to the stress of explosions, this lunge may be the final surge of strength," explains Ivan Rusev.
War as a Factor of Ecological Disaster
The large-scale war unleashed by Russia has created a significant anthropogenic load on the Black Sea ecosystem. Various pollutants and the consequences of hostilities are entering the northwestern part of the sea, which collectively create lethal conditions for marine mammals.
The situation regarding the death of dolphins is not an isolated incident. In early January 2025, more than 30 dolphins died in the Kerch Strait. The cause then was a fuel oil spill following the sinking of Russian tankers. Now, the Black Sea is turning into a zone of ecological disaster where nature cannot cope with the consequences of human aggression.