Dolphins dying 2017 new zealand beach
You're referring to the mass dolphin die-off that occurred on a beach in New Zealand in 2017.
In February 2017, a large number of short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) were found dead on a beach in the Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand. The exact number of dolphins that died was not officially confirmed, but estimates ranged from around 300 to over 500 individuals.
The cause of the die-off was attributed to a combination of factors, including:
- Toxic algal bloom: A type of algae called Pseudo-nitzschia australis was present in the water, producing a toxin called domoic acid. This toxin can accumulate in the food chain and cause harm to marine mammals.
- Malnutrition: The dolphins may have been experiencing malnutrition due to a lack of their preferred prey, such as anchovies and sardines, which were scarce in the area at the time.
- Environmental stress: The dolphins may have been stressed by changes in water temperature, salinity, and other environmental factors, which can weaken their immune systems and make them more susceptible to disease and toxins.
The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DoC) and other authorities conducted an investigation into the die-off, and their findings were published in a report in 2018. The report concluded that the combination of these factors likely contributed to the mass mortality event.
It's worth noting that this event was not an isolated incident, and mass dolphin die-offs have been reported in various parts of the world, often linked to environmental factors such as algal blooms, pollution, and climate change.