Dead Dolphins Wash Ashore in Odesa Region: Five More Azovka Found on Black Sea Coast.

Rising Dolphin Deaths in the Black Sea

According to Novyny.live: Five additional dead Azov dolphins have been discovered along the shores of the Tuzly Estuaries National Park in just the last few days. Since the start of May, the park has recorded 63 dolphin fatalities. This alarming trend has ecologists and scientists deeply concerned, as the actual number of deaths could reach into the thousands.

What Is Killing the Dolphins?

During June 2026 alone, the sea washed up 55 dead dolphins. According to Ivan Rusev, the primary driver of this mass die-off is Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.

“These incredible marine creatures are being killed by the war Russia is waging against Ukraine, and this tragedy continues every single day,” said Ivan Rusev.

Similar mass dolphin deaths have also been reported along the coasts of Bulgaria and Romania. Since the start of hostilities, dolphin mortality has spiked sharply, raising serious alarms among conservation groups. Environmentalists are calling for urgent action to protect marine mammals and preserve their natural habitat.

These events highlight the devastating impact of war on the Black Sea ecosystem, with far-reaching consequences for regional biodiversity. The rising death toll among marine mammals signals severe environmental disruption that could lead to further declines in dolphin populations and other sea life. It is critical that both international and local organizations step in to safeguard marine life while the situation remains critical.