Hundreds of dead pelicans wash up on Peru's beaches

{jcomments off} Hundreds of dead pelicans wash up on Peru's beaches At least 1,200 pelicans and other sea-faring birds have washed up dead on Peru's northern coastline, just weeks after 600 dolphins died in the same region. Now, the Peruvian government has issued a health alert, asking people stay off the beaches until scientists can figure out what is causing the massive die-offs.
The Health Ministry recommended stopped short of a ban and called on health officials to use gloves, masks and other protective gear when collecting dead birds.
The peak tourism season around Lima's Pacific Ocean beaches is over, although many surfers are still venturing into the waters near the capital.
The Agriculture Ministry said preliminary tests on some dead pelicans pointed to malnourishment. Oscar Dominguez, head of the ministry's health department, said experts had ruled out bird flu.
'The Health Ministry... calls on the population to abstain from going to the beaches until the health alert is lifted,' the ministry said in a statement on its website, along with a photograph of a dead pelican.
The ministry said officials had so far checked 18 beaches in and around Lima for dead birds, but gave no details on any findings.
'We're starting from the hypothesis that it's because the birds are young and unable to find enough food for themselves, and also because the sea temperature has risen and anchovies have moved elsewhere,' said Deputy Agriculture Minister Juan Rheineck.
A mass pelican death along Peru's northern coast in 1997 was blamed at the time on a shortage of feeder anchovies due to the El Nino weather phenomenon.
Some were undeterred by the mysterious deaths.
'We eat fresh fish on the quay of Chorrillos every day, and no fisherman has died yet, so don't worry, it's nothing,' said Gloria Rivera, a seafood restaurant owner.
Scientists have speculated that the dolphins died as a result of sonar testing by fuel companies searching for oil off the shore. Nearly 3,000 dolphins have been found dead so far this year.