Dolphins in Danger: Heat and Toxins Team Up

Dolphins are in trouble. Sea temperatures are rising and pollution is increasing. These two issues are usually looked at separately, but they are connected. They are both making it easier for diseases to spread among dolphins. This is a big problem for these marine animals. In the UK, short-beaked common dolphins are facing this issue. Between 1990 and 2020, many of these dolphins washed up on shores. Scientists checked 836 of them. They found something interesting. Dolphins with higher levels of a toxic chemical called PCB in their blubber were more likely to die from infections. The same was true for dolphins in warmer seas. A small increase in PCB levels or sea temperature made a big difference in their health. PCBs are man-made chemicals that were once used in many products. They are now banned in many places, but they stick around in the environment. They build up in the bodies of animals, including dolphins. The study found a specific level of PCBs where the risk of disease goes up a lot. This is a warning sign. It shows that even small amounts of pollution can be dangerous. Climate change is making seas warmer. This also makes it easier for diseases to spread. Warmer waters can change where dolphins find food and how they behave. This can make them weaker and more likely to get sick. So, both pollution and climate change are working together to harm dolphins. This is a wake-up call. To protect dolphins, we need to tackle both problems at once. Reducing pollution and fighting climate change are not easy tasks. But, they are necessary to keep our oceans healthy. Every little bit helps. So, think about what you can do to make a difference. Every action counts.