Dozens of dolphins swam out of the polluted waters of Haifa Harbor on Tuesday. This was the first time that dolphins had visited this crowded Mediterranean Port, and researchers were surprised by the unexpected event.
Between 40 and 50 of the dolphins appeared in the busy port on Tuesday morning, obviously drawn by the fish-rich waters of Haifa Bay.
However, the bay is also full of harmful chemicals. Aviad Sheinin, professor of Haifa University’s Maritime Studies Department, said he didn’t think the dolphins were harmed by the pollution, but that he hoped they would swim back to the sea soon. “It seems that they are quite relaxed. They don’t seem to be stressed, ”he said.
Haifa Bay is lined by chemical companies that have been pouring poisonous waste into the water for decades. While pollution levels have dropped in recent years, the water is still considered a health hazard(隐患).
“There are lots of fishes in Haifa Port. Unfortunately, we couldn’t tell the dolphins that the fish are not healthy, and I don’t know what the result will be,” he told Israel Army Radio.
Hundreds of Haifa residents gathered around Haifa Bay to see the interesting sight, and researchers said this provided a rare chance to film and study the rough-toothed dolphins. In addition to the dozens of dolphins which swam into the port on Tuesday, a similar number stayed outside the breakwater (防波堤). Later Tuesday the dolphins left the port but remained near the entrance and Israel’s coastguard was patrolling (巡逻) the area to try to make sure the dolphins didn’t re-enter the poisonous waters.
Relatively little is known about rough-toothed dolphins, which are usually found in deep and warm tropical waters.
12. Which of the following reason makes
Haifa Bay full of harmful chemicals?
A.unhealthy fish | B.ships |
C.chemical companies | D.residents living nearby |
13. What does Aviad Sheinin’s words suggest?
A.he is curious about the dolphins |
B.the dolphins might affect the existence of fish in Haifa port |
C.he will do research on the dolphins |
D.he is uncertain about what will happen to the dolphins |
14. What is the purpose of Israel’s coastguard deed?
A.protect the dolphins from the polluted waters |
B.avoid traffic jam |
C.deal with the harmful waters |
D.prevent people killing dolphins |
15. What does this passage mainly tell us?
A.dolphins are well protected in Israel |
B.Haifa Bay is full of harmful chemicals |
C.dolphins made a surprise visit to the polluted harbor |
D.people love dolphins |