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The Whale Protection Fund has published statistics on the death of marine mammals in the seas and oceans. This year, more than 50 thousand animals have died due to human fault, half of which are cetaceans, daily.afisha.ru reports with reference to Forbes.
Animal rights activists stress the critical need to expand protected areas and take urgent measures to protect vulnerable populations, such as fin whales, humpback whales, bowhead whales and sperm whales, which are constantly at risk of collision with ships.
“An animal hit on the road is a tragedy. But tens of thousands of animals die in the ocean. There is even a term, ocean roadkill, to describe the accidental death of marine mammals from collisions with ships”, - explained Vasily Borisov, head of the Whale Protection Fund.
Scientific research shows that even a minimal expansion of protective zones – just 2,6% of the ocean area – can significantly reduce the risk of animal deaths. Experts suggest specific measures: reducing ship speeds in whale habitats, adjusting shipping routes and increasing monitoring.