Volunteers are finding poisoned dolphins in the Tuapse and Kuban regions.

Four dolphins with symptoms of oil poisoning have been discovered in the Tuapse and Anapa districts over the past four days. Volunteers reported that the cetaceans are covered in a film of oil and suffering from severe intoxication.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," sections of the Black Sea coast near Tuapse contaminated by oil products from the local oil refinery are being cleaned unevenly: active work is being carried out near urban infrastructure, but remote and "wild" beaches are being neglected, local residents and volunteers stated. The "Right to Life" animal rescue center operates at the "Morskaya" recreation center in Shepsi, where injured animals and birds are taken. On May 8, staff from the Delfa Scientific and Ecological Dolphin Rescue Center appealed to residents of the Tuapse District to help an emaciated and sick dolphin near Kiseleva Rock.

Volunteers from the Delfa Dolphin Rescue Center provided assistance to four dolphins found in the Tuapse and Anapa districts of Krasnodar Krai with signs of oil poisoning over four days. At least two more dolphins with similar symptoms died despite the center's efforts.

According to experts, the cetaceans are suffering from severe intoxication, and their blood tests and ultrasound results show damage to the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreas. The animals are experiencing convulsions and severe pain, exhaustion, and dehydration. They exhibit a loss of coordination and rapid, shallow breathing.

“Black Sea cetaceans are at the top of the food chain and reflect the state of the entire marine ecosystem. Their ill-being can be used to judge the severity and long-term impact of environmental disasters. These are very difficult times for the sea, dolphins, and all of us,” according to a post on the Delfacenter Telegram channel on May 13.

Representatives of the center noted that in recent days, coastal residents have reported several reports of live, weakened dolphins that were later lost.

On May 11, a common dolphin with signs of oil poisoning was found in Anapa. “Its indicators also indicate kidney damage, which further complicates treatment. There were traces of fuel oil on some parts of its body,” the volunteers emphasize.

The white-sided dolphin, discovered under Kiseleva Rock on May 8, had superficial wounds from rocks that had become contaminated with fuel oil, leading to an abscess. Volunteers were able to move the animal to a cleaner area, treat the wounds, and provide first aid, after which "the white-sided dolphin suddenly became active and retreated to the sea," the publication states.

The animals found in Bolshoy Utrish and Nebug received veterinary care in the water for two days but did not survive. "More fuel oil on the shore, clots and a film of it in the water. The dolphin's condition was serious, rapidly deteriorating, and died in the arms of rescuers," volunteers describe the incident in Nebug.

The published images of the injured animals and the volunteers assisting them show clots of oil products floating in the water, as well as stains on the dolphins' bodies.

“It breaks my heart with pain to see dead dolphins,” Telegram user Victoria E-K remarked under the center’s post. “Oh my God, what a horror…,” Ekaterina Garina responded to the post. “Thank you for such selfless work and assistance to those who, due to human error, find themselves in sad and depressing situations,” Elizaveta wrote.

A regional state of emergency is in effect throughout the Tuapse District. For information on emergency assessment criteria, response levels, structures, and resources for dealing with the consequences, please see the Caucasian Knot's "Emergency Situation Regime" (EMERGENCY SITUATION) page.

Caucasian Knot has compiled materials on the "Eco-Disaster in Kuban" page.