An investigation is under way into the deaths of four Cuvier’s beaked whales found stranded along the Mediterranean coasts of Murcia and Almería. The animals were discovered at different locations within a short time frame, prompting concerns about a possible shared cause.

Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition deployed a specialist cetacean pathology team from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, working alongside regional wildlife experts. Necropsies were carried out and samples taken from major organs to determine whether the deaths were linked to disease or human-related factors.

Researchers have now ruled out infectious causes and have classified the incident as an atypical mass stranding, meaning several animals of the same species appeared across a defined area in a short period. One of the possibilities being examined is naval activity, although scientists stress that other potential causes are also under consideration.

The affected waters are a protected conservation area but have also been used for authorised naval manoeuvres for decades. Previous studies have linked some mass strandings of this species to naval sonar, but experts say clear evidence would be required before drawing similar conclusions in this case. Final reports are expected in the coming weeks.