Images source: Reuters
17 dolphins have been found washed up dead on a beach in Mauritius sparking debate as to whether a recent oil-spill was to blame.
In late June, a Japanese oil vessel ran aground on a coral-reef off the coast of Mauritius and later began leaking over 1,200 of tonnes of oil into the surrounding water. The authorities had managed to remove a large portion of the oil from the ship before it was intentionally sunk.
The area known as the Blue Bay Marine Park is regarded as a haven for wildlife and is home to 1,700 species including, around 800 types of fish, 17 kinds of marine mammals, and two species of turtles.
Environmentalists have called the oil spill a disaster for not only the animal life in the local area but a danger to wildlife in the wider Indian Ocean.
While many fish and crabs have so far been found dead as a result of the oil-spill, this is the first such case of dolphins being found.
Sudheer Maudhoo, head of the Mauritian fishery department, made a claim that the dolphins may have been killed by sharks and while two dolphins did indeed have shark teeth injuries, this theory has been rejected by others.
Vassen Kauppaymuthoo, an oceanographer who witnessed the scene, said the dolphins smelled of fuel. She said:
"In my opinion, this situation will continue to deteriorate as time goes on."
Environmentalist Sunil Dowarkasing also told the BBC that either the oil spill or the scuttling of the remaining parts of the shipwrecked vessel could have been responsible for the dolphin deaths:
"The scuttling probably disturbed marine mammals in their natural habitat. There will be after-effects, and this is just the beginning."
It is thought that the Mauritian government may be trying to downplay the damage to the environment, including the deaths of the dolphins, as it is they who are ultimately responsible for allowing large oil tankers and other ships to move through their waters.
Environmentalists and conservationists will be watching closely for evidence of further damage to local wildlife.
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