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In 5 hours we counted 615 dead dolphins in 135 kilometers, adults and babies. Thousands more have surely perished at sea. Current estimates are over 3,000 dead and the death count is expected to rise.
One of, perhaps the worst, die-offs of dolphins ever is occurring in Peru right now. BlueVoice Executive Director Hardy Jones joined Peruvian marine mammal specialist Dr. Carlos Yaipen Llanos to recon 135 miles of Peruvian coastline. "We found 615 dead dolphins in varying stages of decomposition. Carlos took samples for testing. It was a deeply tragic sight. We must find out what the cause is." reports Hardy.
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Immediately after our video and photos hit the news Peru admitted the disaster. But no national resources have been committed to detecting the cause of the event.
We must continue testing samples of dolphin bone, blood and tissue for viruses such as morbillivirus, for bacteria such as Brucella and for possible intoxication by red tide. There is also the possibility that seismic testing for oil exploration is involved. In fact there may be multiple factors that have contributed to this nearly unprecedented tragedy.
Dolphins worldwide suffer from compromised immune systems and die-offs are increasing in frequency and virulence. The tragic event in Peru can provide clues to what is happening in all the world's oceans.
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Even as the die-off takes place Peruvian fishermen are killing dolphins for food - and getting sick as a result. Exposure of this at the forthcoming IWC will put enormous pressure on Peru to end this deliberate massacre of dolphins.
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For all the dolphins,
Hardy Jones
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The Peru Dolphins Must Not Die In Vain |
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BlueVoice has been the only organization funding the quest to discover the basis for this nearly unprecedented disaster.
We have paid for the reconnaissance of the area, testing, even such small things as test tubes and a microscope. We urgently need your donations to maintain this work.
"I am unwilling that these dolphins die in vain, " said Hardy.
Carlos has just reported to us: "We received emergency calls from Tumbes area (North of San Jose) that dolphins are washing up dead". An ORCA team funded by BlueVoice is on the way to investigate.
MATCHING GRANT: A generous BlueVoice supporter has pledged a challenge grant. He will match every dollar contributed to BlueVoice up to $5,000. We need your help to continue the investigation of the dead dolphins and rouse the world to action.
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