COX'S BAZAR, Feb 18: Dead dolphins have been washing ashore on the Cox's Bazar sea beach for the past several years.
In the past four years, carcasses of 23 dolphins were recovered from the shore of Cox's Bazar.
Of them, dead bodies of six were recovered till February 16 this year, four dead bodies were recovered between 2022 and 2023 and 10 dead dolphins between 2020 and 2021.
The dead bodies of the dolphins were mostly found entangled in nets.
Two dead dolphins washed up on Sonarpara beach and Inani beach in Ukhiya last Friday (February 16) morning.
After body samples were collected, the two dead dolphins were buried into the sandy beach. The dead dolphin found at Sonarpara beach was of the Irrawaddy species. Its length was 4 feet 3 inches.
The dead dolphin stopped on Inani beach was of the Indo Pacific Humpback species. This type of mammal has a humped body and a long narrow beak.
According to the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute, movement of dolphins is most frequent in Cox's Bazar's Saint Martin, Sonadia coast, Teknaf, Inani, Himachari and Nazirartek areas.
These dolphins die after being caught in fishermen's nets or hit by marine vessels.
From time to time, many dead dolphins are found with nets attached to their bodies.
Dolphins have more fat than meat, so these animals can die from minor injuries.
Few species of dolphins exist in the world. The Irrawaddy dolphin was the most abundant dolphin found on the coast of Cox's Bazar.
Dolphins of the Irrawaddy species can generally live up to 25-30 years. Their weight is 150-180 kg. These dolphins stay mostly close to the coast.
Another species of dolphin found on the coast is the Indo-Pacific Humpback.
These dolphins live deep in the ocean. They can usually live up to 40 years. Their weight ranges from 200 to 250 kgs.
Tariqul Islam, senior scientific officer of Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute, said dead dolphins were recovered from the coastal area of Cox's Bazar several times.
At least 23 dead dolphins have been recovered in the last four years.
Dolphins may be threatened by habitat loss, water pollution, development of coastal areas, overfishing and increased marine traffic.
It is believed that these animals are dying due to habitat degradation and accidental entanglement in the nets of fishing trawlers or ships or fishermen due to injury or trauma.
Ahmad Gias, a journalist, said that several dead dolphins have floated on the coast in the past few days.
Dolphins are very important animals for the environment. Besides, these animals are also important for the ecosystem.
It is important to find out why the dolphins are dying through forensic investigation. Proper experiments should be done to find out why or how these important animals of the sea are dying again and again.
Dolphins are designated as a protected species under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012.
Director General of Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI) Professor Dr Touhida Rashid says, "Samples were collected to investigate the cause of death of the animals."
These animals can die in the sea due to various reasons. However, scientists are working to find out whether there is any major problem in the habitat of the animals.
Initiatives will be taken to increase public awareness of marine animal conservation by finding possible causes.
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