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The report (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jun/14/conservation.endangeredspecies) that a group of around 70 dolphins suddenly 'dashed' into a muddy location in Cornwall is intriguing. Around 26 of these animals died in spite of people attempting to help them back into the water. A range of explanations for such mass strandings have been offered. These include the possibility that these animals were panicked by nets (apparently unlikely in this case), the unusual Spring forcing the animals into shallow water in pursuit of small fish and the claim that the navy was exercising with a variety of 'secret' devices in the area (denied by the senior service). These events certainly are not uncommon and it is difficult to work out why particular occurrences happen.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Saturday, 14 June 2008
Do the Strand?
The report (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jun/14/conservation.endangeredspecies) that a group of around 70 dolphins suddenly 'dashed' into a muddy location in Cornwall is intriguing. Around 26 of these animals died in spite of people attempting to help them back into the water. A range of explanations for such mass strandings have been offered. These include the possibility that these animals were panicked by nets (apparently unlikely in this case), the unusual Spring forcing the animals into shallow water in pursuit of small fish and the claim that the navy was exercising with a variety of 'secret' devices in the area (denied by the senior service). These events certainly are not uncommon and it is difficult to work out why particular occurrences happen.
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2 comments:
We have strandings in New Zealand. These are commonly of whales, less commonly of dolphins. They are certainly quite heartbreaking for those local people trying to return them to the sea, or at least keep them wet until the tide returns...
In May 2004 a database of stranding frequencies was established, I think. But how this could be linked back to any one of a number of causes, I don't know.
Low frequency sonar is one of the suggested culprits.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4409678a7693.html
Thanks for a great blog!
Thanks Katherine, the pictures of the recent event were certainly awful. I suspect that strandings happen with and without human involvement but people fishing in the area did claim that there were very unusual vibrations that could be felt throughout their boats near the time of the stranding.
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