Dolphins are conspicuous by their absence in surveys conducted in the Bay of Biscay by conservation organization Marinelife. The area is considered a worldwide hotspot for whales and dolphins, but so far this summer recorded sightings of common, striped and bottlenose dolphins are at an all time low, with numbers down by 80% compared with the same period last year.
“Whatever the cause of the disappearance of dolphins this summer, it shows both how vulnerable they are and how alarmingly quickly local declines can occur when environmental conditions change,” says Marinelife’s Research Director, Dr Tom Brereton. "The changes highlight how we need to act quickly, to address major issues such as climate change and over-fishing.”
In somewhat related news, it seems the Rolling Stones may soon be conspicuous by their absence too, with rumors that these land bound mammals will announce their retirement at the end of their current tour. A source close to the band told Komodo Rock magazine, "We've been told this will be the last tour. Embarking on a Stones world tour takes years to plan. Mick and Keith would be in their late 60s by the time they would be ready to rock once more."
According to Wikipedia’s entry on dolphins, the marine mammals have much in common with the soon-to-be extinct Stones. Both species are “often regarded as one of earth's most intelligent animals,” with Stones frontman Mick Jagger being one of the few rockers to gain a degree from the London School of Economics. Both “have a streamlined fusiform body”, “are capable of making a broad range of sounds” and are capable of “performing acrobatic figures.” Furthermore, for both “copulation happens belly to belly” and though “the actual act is usually only brief, if may be repeated several times within a short time span,” with the water bound mammals perhaps having less need for Viagra than the earth bound ones.
Finally, according the online encyclopedia both “have long played a role in human culture,” though it has to be said the Hollywood career of the dolphin has been far more successful than the acting career of The Stones. Mick Jagger has appeared in box office bombs such as Ned Kelly and Freejack, while dolphins have appeared in a series of blockbuster hits such Flipper, Free Willy and Day of the Dolphin.
Both will be sorely missed.
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