Subject: Dolphin death probe prompts pollution fears (fwd)
Mike Williamson (pita@www1.wheelock.edu)
Sat, 16 Aug 1997 08:57:30 -0400 (EDT)
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 31 Jul 1997 06:51:19 -0400
From: Dagmar Fertl <Dagmar_Fertl@mms.gov>
Reply-To: Marine Mammals Research and Conservation Discussion
<MARMAM@UVVM.UVIC.CA>
To: MARMAM@UVVM.UVIC.CA
Subject: newsclip - Dolphin death probe prompts pollution fears
Dolphin death probe prompts pollution fears
July 21, 1997
ADELAIDE, Australia (CNN) -- An investigation into the death of a
dolphin here has sparked fears of increasing pollution in waters where
the sea creatures continue to swim.
"Jock," a well-known resident of Adelaide's Port River, died suddenly
four years ago. A study conducted by university student Simone
Burzacott has convinced scientists that toxic chemicals were largely
responsible for the death of the 12-year-old dolphin.
The levels of heavy metal contamination in Jock's body were nine times
higher than any ever found before in dolphins in Australia. The
discovery could have far-reaching implications nationwide.
"(Jock's) death is really just symptomatic of probably what's in the
whole ecosystem," says Dr. Michael Bossley of Adelaide University.
The source of the contamination was not immediately clear,
prompting those responsible for the study to call for further tests.
While some recreational fisherman continue to cast their lines into
the Port River, others say the investigation into the dolphin's death
has confirmed their fears.
Citing concerns about water pollution, they say they stopped
fishing in the river years ago.