Impact of War on Black Sea Marine Life and Dolphins

Wed, 06 May 2026 19:48:00 +0200

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is having severe consequences on marine life in the Black Sea. Reports indicate that Russian military forces may be using dolphins for combat and protection around the Sevastopol Bay, raising concerns about the welfare of these animals. Beyond direct involvement in military operations, marine mammals, including dolphins and porpoises, are suffering due to environmental disruptions caused by warfare, such as pollution, explosions, and sonar disturbances. Scientists are documenting the deaths of porpoises washed ashore, collecting tissue samples for analysis to investigate potential causes, including the effects of Russian aggression. Ukrainian authorities have already recorded thousands of dolphin deaths in Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Turkey, with estimates suggesting tens of thousands may have perished. The Black Sea hosts three cetacean species, all endangered, which require special permits for study. While some Russian experiments with military dolphins dat