dead marine mammals
Seven dead whales washed ashore on Cyprus’ west coast
One of the dead Cuvier’s beaked whales in Cyprus
© AFP
Whales are rare on the west coast of Cyprus. But now seven sea mammals have been washed ashore. The cause of death of the animals is not yet known.
Seven dead whales have washed ashore on the west coast of Cyprus. As the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Research announced on Saturday, it should now be investigated how the whales got into the eastern Mediterranean and stranded on the island. Whales are rare in the area. It has never happened before that so many dead animals end up on Cyprus.
Cause of death of whales off the coast of Cyprus still unclear
According to the ministry, the marine mammals that died were exclusively Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris), which are known for being able to dive particularly deep and for long periods. The animals live in the deep waters of the great oceans and the Mediterranean Sea. Most often you can see them off oceanic islands, for example, Hawaii. The marine mammals are seven meters long on average and can weigh up to three tons.
Four Cuvier’s beaked whales were said to be stranded on Thursday, but three of them were pushed back into the sea. Then on Friday, six dead whales were discovered, which may have included previously rescued ones.
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The cadavers had been examined to find out the cause of death, ministry representative Ioannis Ioannou told the CNA news agency. According to him, three dead whales are said to have been found on the beaches of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is only recognized by Ankara.
Sources:German Foundation for Marine Protection