Marine Disaster in Socotra: Over 80 Dolphins Found Dead on Shore, Scientists Warn of Ecological Crisis
Residents of Yemen’s Socotra Island woke up to a shocking sight: over 80 dead dolphins were found on the shores of the Nit area in Qalansiyah district, marking the largest mass stranding incident in the archipelago's recent history.
The event brought back memories of a 2017 incident where about 20 dolphins were found dead, but the scale of this occurrence has raised serious environmental concerns.
A recent study titled “Dolphin Stranding Phenomenon on Socotra’s Coasts – 2025” identified multiple contributing factors including sudden environmental changes, marine pollution, temperature shifts, and disruptions in ocean currents. The unique coastal topography of Socotra, with its narrow bays and inlets, acts as natural traps for dolphins.
Dr. Yahya Felus, a marine science professor at Hodeidah University, warned that repeated dolphin strandings could signal a looming ecological disaster threatening the island’s rich biodiversity.
Ahmed Ali Othman, head of the Fisheries Authority in Socotra, noted that strong monsoon waves between June and September deplete oxygen levels in coastal waters, making it impossible for dolphins to return to deep sea.
Experts called for immediate environmental monitoring and regulation of human activities, warning that such mass deaths could impact fish stocks and the livelihoods of local fishing communities.
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