[AP News] Hundreds of dolphins wash up in Zanzibar

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mk
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    News
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Hundreds of bottlenose dolphins, approximately 400, washed up dead on a beach in Zanzibar, Tanzania, prompting investigations by scientists into the cause. Marine biologists are examining the potential impact of U.S. Navy sonar on the dolphins' navigation, although alternative theories include rapid changes in water temperature and salinity. Local villagers and fishermen are involved in burying the remains along a 2 1/2-mile stretch of coast. The discussion highlights concerns about the effects of sonar and motorboat noise on marine life.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of marine biology and dolphin behavior
  • Knowledge of sonar technology and its effects on marine animals
  • Familiarity with environmental factors affecting marine ecosystems
  • Awareness of marine conservation issues
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of U.S. Navy sonar on marine mammals
  • Study the effects of water temperature and salinity changes on dolphin behavior
  • Examine case studies of marine animal strandings and their causes
  • Explore marine conservation strategies to protect vulnerable species
USEFUL FOR

Marine biologists, environmental scientists, conservationists, and anyone interested in the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems.

Mk
Messages
2,040
Reaction score
4
ZANZIBAR, Tanzania - Scientists tried to discover Saturday why hundreds of dolphins washed up dead on a beach popular with tourists on the northern coast of Zanzibar.

Among other possibilities, marine biologists were examining whether U.S. Navy sonar threw the animals off course.

Villagers and fishermen were burying the remains of the roughly 400 bottlenose dolphins, which normally live in deep offshore waters but washed up Friday along a 2 1/2-mile stretch of coast in Tanzania's Indian Ocean archipelago.
They always say its the U.S. Navy's fault for sonar throwing them off course. I don't know much about the subject but I think that is a bunch of BS. Why couldn't have had happen, and why could that be the cause? I personally think it might have to do with rapid changes in water temperature and/or salinity, but again, I don't have any knowledge in this area.

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=2631&ncid=2631&e=39&u=/ap/20060430/ap_on_sc/tanzania_dolphin_deaths_6

Someone probably has a geographical database of beaching. They still have no idea how the whale managed to get up the Thames?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Biology news on Phys.org
If they washed up dead rather than alive, I'd be more suspicious of an illness of some sort.

As far as sounds, sonar can throw them off, but so can the motors on motorboats. I saw a poster presenting results of a study on this a few years ago when visiting an aquarium affiliated with a marine research station.
 

Similar threads

Cicadas Heading Underground Until 2021
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K