A dead dolphin has washed ashore at Monkhali Sea Beach in Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar, bearing visible injury marks on different parts of its body.
According to local residents, the dolphin was carried by waves and washed onto the sandy shoreline of Monkhali Sea Beach on Sunday morning (21 December). The carcass was found lying on the beach dunes from early morning.
Confirming the incident, Monkhali resident Abu Taher said that the large dead dolphin had been visible on the beach since morning. He added that a foul odor was emanating from the body, and injury marks were clearly noticeable on several parts of the dolphin.
Local school teacher Ilias Hossain said that the dolphin may have died after being injured by fishing nets or a collision with a vessel. However, he emphasized that an investigation by the relevant authorities is required to determine the exact cause of death.
He further stated that the repeated incidents of dead dolphins washing ashore along the coastal areas in recent times underscore the urgent need for effective measures to protect marine biodiversity.
Earlier, on Thursday (18 December), another dead Irrawaddy dolphin with visible injury marks was found washed ashore at the Baharchhara North Shilkhali Sea Beach in Teknaf.
Under the Bangladesh Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act of 2012, dolphins, as marine mammals, are listed as protected species. Hunting, consumption, transportation of body parts, and trade of dolphins are punishable offenses under the law.
Scientists note that most dolphins found washed ashore along the Cox’s Bazar coastline belong to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin species, scientifically known as Orcaella.
