Horror as 7 dead dolphins are washed up on the shores of Spain

A TOTAL of seven dolphins have washed up on the coasts of Spain, indicating the sheer devastation caused by Storm Gloria – the worst storm that the country has faced this century.

According to the Oceanogràfic Foundation who work in collaboration with the University of Valencia and the Department of Agriculture, five of the aquatic mammals were found on beaches in Dénia, two in Valencia, one in the Saler and another in Malvarrosa.

On January 20, a calf and adult dolphin washed up in Les Marines de Dénia and the next day two dolphins were found on the same beach. On the 22nd three dolphins were found in Malvarros, Dénia and El Sales, one of which was a bottlenose species.

A spokesperson for the Oceanogràfic Foundation explained that when these cetaceans die they usually sink into the sea and become part of the food chain. However, an unknown percentage can reach the shores in different degrees of decomposition. They stated that when strong storms occur, it is possible that the health of dolphins are compromised by various causes such as high waves.

The Foundation also praised the response of local residents who called the emergency services upon making the discoveries, where the species will now be examined by specialist experts.

Aparecen 7 delfines varados durante el temporal en Denia, Malvarrosa y Saler https://t.co/Few1nwtDXR @UV_EG @Oceanografic_vl @generalitat

— EFE C. Valenciana (@EFE_CValenciana) January 24, 2020