Global News - November 2007

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Oil spill threatens Russian dolphins

Fri 16 November 2007 17:00 UK — Europe,Marine Wildlife

The oil spill from a Russian tanker into the Black Sea is killing dolphins, an environmental watchdog has warned.

On Sunday (November 11th), a storm damaged a tanker and sank at least four freighters in the narrow Kerch Strait between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

Now, Oleg Mitvol, deputy head of state environment watchdog Rosprirodnadzor, has told Reuters that oil has polluted a 50km stretch of Black Sea coastline.

He is reported to have told a news conference: "Unfortunately, not only fish are affected, but sea mammals as well - we have documented cases of deaths of dolphins.

"The fact that dolphins and birds listed in Russia's Red Book (of endangered species) are dying is very sad indeed."

Mr Mitvol said that territorial disputes between Russia and Ukraine were hampering clean up operations.

He added: "Independence issues do not matter at a time of an ecological crisis. We share one planet."

Environmentalists are concerned that the Black Sea dolphin is on the verge of extinction.

Alan Knight of International Animal Rescue said: "The effects of this oil spill on seabirds and marine mammals could be devastating. This is a time to work together, not to fight.

"Species that are already facing the threat of extinction desperately need our help at times like this and we must all do what we can to preserve them."

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