Ukraine war may be causing rise in dolphin deaths, say scientists

Military activities may be driving cetaceans south to Turkish and Bulgarian shores, where they are being stranded or caught in nets in unusually high numbers. Photograph: Tudav

A recent rise in dolphin deaths in the Black Sea may have been caused by the war in Ukraine, scientists have said.

Researchers believe heightened noise pollution in the northern Black Sea, caused by about 20 Russian navy vessels and ongoing military activities, may have been driving cetaceans south to Turkish and Bulgarian shores, where they are being stranded or caught in fishing nets in unusually high numbers.