Dead dolphins sound a warning

Over the past month more than 150 dolphins have washed up on Iran's coast. The exact cause of their deaths has yet to be determined but what we do know for certain is that the Gulf, that precious resource that provides food and water, is being abused by overfishing and pollution.

Unless co-ordinated action is taken, the Gulf will continue to deteriorate and marine life, already under severe threat, will perish. Such a legacy cannot be passed on to future generations who will look unkindly on us for destroying a natural resource shared by so many.

It is already one of the most fragile waterways on the planet with a finely balanced eco-system. It should never be relegated to a dumping ground especially for vessels discarding their rubbish. Water is life and turning the Gulf into a stew of pollutants will have dire consequences not just for marine life.