Mystery near Primorsko: Why are dolphins and porpoises dying in the Black Sea?

Tragedy in the Black Sea: Dead cetaceans near Primorsko

The Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW) announced that the cause of death for the cetaceans discovered near Primorsko remains unclear. The reason is the delayed reporting – the animals were in an advanced stage of decomposition, making an autopsy impossible.

The most likely hypothesis is drowning due to entanglement in fishing nets (so-called bycatch).

Are harbor porpoises endangered?

Experts believe these are harbor porpoises – the smallest species of cetacean in the Black Sea. They are extremely vulnerable as they inhabit coastal waters where fishing activity is most intense.

• Alarming statistics: Over 200 reports of dead animals have been filed in Burgas and Varna since the beginning of the season.
• Ecological problem: Accidental catch requires stricter control and better accountability from fishermen.
• New measures: The MOEW and the BAS are developing a national data analysis tool to determine the real scale of the problem.

If you find a distressed or dead marine mammal, report it immediately to the local RIEW. Timely action is the only way to collect reliable scientific data.