• Autopsies on the cetaceans revealed marks from fishing nets

The Ministry of Environment and Water has handed over to the Public Prosecutor’s Office the results of the analysis of the dead birds and cetaceans found off Shabla. Following the receipt of all documents proving that the cause of death of the shearwaters and cetaceans was drowning, the Ministry sent a report to the public prosecutor’s office in Dobrich.

Four of the cetaceans and eleven of the shearwaters were sent for post-mortem examination to the Green Balkans Wildlife Rescue Centre in Stara Zagora. The post-mortem examination established that they had drowned. The veterinary report and autopsy records for the birds indicate the presence of diatoms, whilst for the dolphins – marks from nets and other signs pointing to drowning.

Between 19 and 20 March, the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water – Varna received reports from members of the public and organisations regarding the discovery of cetacean carcasses and numerous birds on the shore. On 19 and 20 March, the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water – Varna carried out on-site inspections, whereby the entire stretch of beach from the village of Durankulak, through the village of Krapets to the village of Ezerec was scrutinized. Numerous dead birds were found, mainly shearwaters, and nine cetaceans of the species bottlenose dolphin, common dolphin, and porpoise.

To determine the cause of death, water quality samples were taken, and the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) took samples to test for avian influenza. Tests carried out by the Black Sea Basin Directorate – Varna showed that the indicators were within normal limits, the water was not polluted and was not the cause of the animals’ deaths. According to data from the Regional Food Safety Directorate – Dobrich, the samples tested negative for avian influenza.

The Ministry of Environment and Water believes that cooperation with the fishing sector should continue in order to minimise such incidents.