Two Dolphins Found Dead Near Oil Spill Affected Area

Photo credit: Richelle Solis

Yesterday on a beach just outside Santa Barbara, two dolphins were found dead. The dolphins mouths were covered in what some believe to be oil tar. This is the same area where rescue workers have been onsite rescuing oiled animals that have been affected by the Refugio Beach Oil Spill.

Image Courtesy of: Richelle Solis

These images are disturbing and come with additional reports that in Oxnard, California a dolphin and a seal were just found dead on the beach.

The oil spill, which was initially dismissed as a “small spill“, is turning out to be having a significant environmental impact.

Since the oil spill was first reported, state and federal agencies have been on the scene along with HAZMAT teams, universities, and rescue organizations.

We’ve been following the rescue effort since the spill was reported, mainly focusing on the megafauna like sea lions and seals that have been affected.

Since the oil spill began so far:

• 38 mammals have been found alive and taken for treatment.
• 45 mammals have been found dead.
• 57 birds have been found alive and taken for treatment.
• 80 birds have been round dead.

And we don’t have estimates on the octopuses, crabs, fish and microorganisms that have been harmed or killed from this spill yet.

The discovery of these dolphins is a reminder of the fragility of our oceans and the scope of the tragedy of this oil spill. Readers who live in Southern California can sign up to volunteer and assist responders in areas affected by the oil spill.

If you do not live in Southern California we encourage you to support the Oil Animal Care Network in California and the organizations that are helping to rescue and care for the animals affected by the oil spill.