Dead dolphins washed ashore in Mauritius this week, sparking debate around whether the recent oil spill was to blame.
While the animals were wounded, there was no trace of oil according to preliminary autopsy results conducted on two dolphins.
Seven more dead dolphins were found on Thursday, August 28 in a state of decomposition, Jasvin Sok Appadu from the fisheries ministry said to Reuters.
Authorities explained that autopsies will be conducted on the remaining animals.
‘The preliminary results show that the animals did not have trace of hydrocarbon in their respiratory system, nor in their skin, throat or stomach,’ said a report, according to Reuters.
Government-run Albion Fisheries Research Centre conducted the autopsies.
Greenpeace Africa is calling for a full investigation into the matter.
The death of at least 17 dolphins is a great loss for Mauritius’s #Biodiversity, and necessitates a thorough investigation.
If the recent oil spill is indeed the cause of this tragedy, then those responsible for it MUST be held accountable! #BreakFreeFromFossilFuels
📸 :Shav pic.twitter.com/RCLsZUcgpM— Greenpeace Africa (@Greenpeaceafric) August 27, 2020
Image credit: Twitter/ @Greenpeaceafric
