Dolphin Deaths: Let scientists determine what is killing them
GULF COAST residents are saddened by the recent deaths of baby bottlenose dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico. Since the beginning of the year, 53 dead dolphins have washed ashore in four states, including Alabama. Most of them are calves.
Researchers are examining the dead dolphins, but it could be weeks — maybe months — before their results are fully known.
In the meantime, it’s crucial that everyone allow the science to run its course rather than speculate about what caused the baby dolphins’ untimely deaths. Too much is still unknown.
Understandably, scientists are alarmed — and puzzled. They are calling the deaths “unusual” and “unprecedented” as they ponder various theories.
The cause, they say, could be infectious disease, environmental factors such as cold water or natural cyclical changes in population. Or, the cause might be related to last April’s oil spill, which occurred within a month or so of the calves’ conception.
If oil were a factor, that would raise even more questions. For instance, might oil have entered the food chain, which would have implications for fish, shrimp and humans? Or might the oily sheen on northern Gulf waters have stressed pregnant dolphins as they surfaced for air?
Naturally, coastal residents want answers, and soon. The Gulf’s health is vitally important to Alabama and to the region for a myriad of reasons. If something’s wrong, we’re all affected.
But that is precisely why we cannot allow the dolphin deaths to become part of some politically charged debate. Scientists from NOAA are already involved in the investigation, and environmental groups are sure to weigh in on the issue, too.
These are the facts so far: An estimated 3,000 to 5,000 bottlenose dolphins live in the waters off Alabama and Mississippi. Their young calves are dying at or around birth and are washing up on the shorelines. No other species appears to be affected.
We all want to know more, of course. In the midst of the chaos, though, let’s hold fast to the facts and wait for solid, scientific conclusions.