'Ultrasounds of death' by Mariana Verbovska won Ukrainian competition 'Honor of the Profession'

Mariana Verbovska, investigator, NGL.media and active partner at in-depth Project, won the Ukrainian competition 'Honor of the Profession'.

In her article 'Ultrasounds of death' she ventured to Ukraine's National Nature Park "Tuzlivski Lymany," the last unoccupied Ukrainian park with access to the Black Sea. Here, amidst strict military controls requiring journalists to obtain special permits and protective gear, she became the first to secure official clearance for access.

"I was in two minds about reporting on the environment when the full-scale invasion started. However, it didn’t last long. Huge requests from the international audience and the active position of Ukrainian scientists and activists helped me to understand that there is no time to hesitate, every crime against the environment should be covered and documented", - Mariana says.

Mariana talked with Ivan Rusev, head of research who reported a staggering 37,500 to 48,000 cetacean carcasses discovered during the initial three months of military operations. Mariana also met with Pavlo Goldin, a zoology doctor specializing in marine mammals, who conducted necropsies and sent samples abroad for analysis. According to Goldin, the ongoing mortality among dolphins is likely linked, to varying extents, to the intensified military presence in the region.

As the investigation unfolds, the international community watches closely, hoping for answers amid the grim toll on Black Sea wildlife.

We congratulate Mariana with the win in the competition.

You can also read her materials as part of in-depth Project:

Через війну зупинилось 50% зеленої енергетики. Але невдовзі нас чекає її бум (in Ukranian)

300 чорнобильців (in Ukranian)