Scientists split on cause of dolphin deaths in Gulf

Scientists are split on the cause of an unusually high number of dolphin deaths in the Gulf of Mexico.

Reuters reported Friday that some scientists are blaming lingering oil from last year’s massive oil spill. While others blame winter cold.

“Although none so far showed outward signs of oil contamination, suspicions immediately turned to petrochemicals that fouled Gulf waters after a BP drilling platform exploded in April 2010, rupturing a wellhead on the sea floor,” Reuters stated.

But Monty Graham, a scientist at a research lab in Alabama, blames cold ocean temperatures.

“He noted that water temperatures abruptly plunged from the upper 50s into the 40s off Dauphin Island in January, just before the first two stillborn calves found there were recovered,” Reuters said. “He said a second wave of dolphin carcasses washed ashore after temperatures dipped again.”

At least 82 dolphins have been found dead along the Gulf coast.