A massive fish die-off occurred in the Khadzhibey Estuary

<span><span><span><span><span><span>A massive die-off of aquatic biological resources has been recorded in the Khadzhibey Estuary. Inspectors collected water samples to determine the cause of death of the fish and shrimp. </span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>This was reported by the State Environmental Inspection of the Southwestern District.</span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>A mass die-off of pelengas, carp, and crustaceans was recorded near the village of Kholodna Balka in the Nerubayska community of the Odesa district.</span></span></span></span></span></span>

Laboratory tests will help assess the condition of the water body and identify the specific factors that caused this emergency.

Similar cases of fish kills in the Khadzhibey Estuary occurred in July—on the 13th and 22nd—near the communities of Naberezhne, Berehove, and Maly Dachne.

According to initial assessments by experts, the first incident was caused by abnormal heat, hydrogen sulfide emissions from the bottom of the body of water, and a critical lack of oxygen in the aquatic environment. Experts tentatively linked the second environmental emergency to the consequences of nighttime enemy shelling of Odesa and the surrounding areas. They will be able to provide an accurate assessment after receiving the results of laboratory tests. 

Earlier, along the Black Sea coast, more than 20 dead cetaceans were discovered in a single day across a 25-kilometer stretch. The actual number of dead animals could reach the thousands, as experts estimate that more than 90% of marine mammal carcasses do not wash ashore.

The causes of the mass deaths of dolphins and other cetaceans in the Black Sea were discussed in the latest episodeof *Accents*. Ecologist and zoologistPavlo Goldinand biologistVladislav Balinsky, head of the non-governmental organization “Green Leaf,” shared their assessments.

Юлія Калабайда