Dead Birds on Local Beach


San Felipe, Baja, Mexico
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Article appeared in La Voz, Jan 14, 2015

The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) and the Office of Marine Affairs (SEMAR) are investigating the deaths of 550 birds, mainly ducks and cormorants, as well as four sea lions, at the Port of San Felipe, Baja California. This is according to a statement issued by a branch office after the bodies were detected during routine monitoring tours.

Collecting Dead BirdsThe specimens were located on a ten kilometer stretch of beach beginning at the jetty of the Port of San Felipe and heading south. This is the only place where the mortality of marine mammals and birds were observed.

SEMAR, the National Health Service, and the Health, Safety and Quality Commission (SENASICA) have raised a protective fence and samples of birds were taken to a laboratory to determine the cause of death.

The remaining dead birds were placed in plastic bags for burial to avoid a health risk to people and other animals.

PROFEPA hypothesized that the cause of death may be related to climate change. Variations in weather temperature can result in schools of fish moving to deeper water, denying birds access to their main food source.

The National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA), the Institute of Public Health Services (ISESALUD) and the Municipal Delegation of San Felipe are also participating in the investigation.

PROFEPA inspectors continue to monitor the beach and collect further information, in cooperation with the Navy and SENASICA.