Maya Ellison
Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, with over 5 million tons of plastic in the ocean. Plastic does not decompose, and instead breaks down into smaller pieces, known as microplastics, which are consumed by marine life. This has led to the deaths of many whales, who ingest plastic, or get entangled in plastic debris. Killer whales are among the species of whales that have been found dead with large amounts of plastic in their stomachs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in the ocean | Over 5 million tons of plastic are currently in the ocean |
| Plastic consumption by whales | Plastic is accidentally consumed by whales in large volumes |
| Plastic impact on whales | Plastic causes gastric obstruction, bowel obstruction, internal organ damage, and starvation |
| Plastic pollution sources | Sources of plastic pollution include boats, weather events, the fishing industry, and lost or abandoned fishing gear |
| Plastic pollution prevention | Preventing plastic from entering the ocean and reducing single-use plastic are crucial to protecting whales |
| Plastic decomposition | Plastic does not readily decompose and can take over 450 years to break down |
| Impact of microplastics | Microplastics can contain toxic chemicals that pose risks to marine ecosystems and biodiversity |
| Plastic's effect on whale behaviour | Whales with plastic debris have been observed swimming with difficulty, increasing their risk of ship strikes |
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Plastic ingestion
Whales, including killer whales, are susceptible to ingesting plastic due to their feeding habits. They feed on small crustaceans like krill and tiny fish like anchovies, which often inadvertently consume microplastics themselves. As whales filter large volumes of water to capture their prey, they end up ingesting significant amounts of microplastics. These microplastics accumulate in the whales' systems over time.
The ingested plastic can obstruct the bowels of whales, preventing them from digesting food and leading to starvation. It can also give them a false sense of fullness, causing them to eat less and become weaker, making them more vulnerable to predators and diseases. In some cases, sharp edges of plastic waste can even puncture their internal organs, leading to fatal injuries.
The impact of plastic ingestion on killer whales is evident from various incidents reported worldwide. For example, in March 2019, a young male Cuvier beaked whale was found in the Davao Gulf of the Philippines with over 88 pounds of plastic waste in its stomach, which had likely led to its death through starvation and dehydration. Similarly, in 2018, a male sperm whale beached off the coast of Spain with 64 pounds of trash bags and garbage in its digestive system.
The problem is further exacerbated by heavy fishing in certain regions, which limits the food sources for whales, making them more likely to consume floating plastic debris. Additionally, plastic pollution from abandoned fishing gear, commonly known as "ghost gear," poses a significant threat to whales and other marine wildlife.
While the exact impact of plastic ingestion on killer whales requires further research, it is evident that plastic pollution is a critical issue that endangers the health and survival of these majestic creatures. Addressing this global problem requires coordinated efforts to reduce plastic waste and protect marine ecosystems.
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Intestinal blockage
Marine mammals, including killer whales, are facing a big, deadly threat from plastic pollution. Over 10% of the plastic pollution in the ocean comes from lost or abandoned fishing gear and other debris from the fishing industry. Since killer whales swallow larger animals, they are vulnerable to larger chunks of plastic, like bags and nets.
In January 2023, a large sperm whale washed ashore in Kauai County, Hawaii, with large volumes of plastic, fishing nets, and other marine debris in its stomach. Scientists suspect that the whale may have died from an intestinal blockage. Similarly, in 2019, a young male curvier beaked whale died of starvation and dehydration brought on by the 88 pounds of plastic in its belly. Its stomach acid, unable to break down the plastic waste, had worn holes through its stomach lining.
In 2013, a sperm whale stranded on Terschelling, one of the northern islands of the Netherlands, was found to have plastic in its stomach. In 2010, a gray whale that stranded itself on a west Seattle beach had more than 20 plastic bags, small towels, surgical gloves, plastic pieces, duct tape, and even a pair of sweatpants and a golf ball in its stomach.
In 2008, a Bryde's whale stranded in the eastern state of Pahang, Malaysia, was found to have swallowed a black plastic bag, a rope, and a bottle cap, which blocked its intestine. That same year, a sperm whale washed up dead on a beach near Point Reyes, California, with 450 pounds of fishing net, rope, and plastic bags in its stomach.
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Entanglement
Marine animals, such as whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, and sea turtles, can become entangled in plastic waste as they swim or while on the beach. This waste can include plastic-based fishing nets and ropes, plastic bags, and other types of plastic trash. Entanglement is a significant cause of death for whales, with over 300,000 whales and dolphins dying annually due to entanglement in fishing gear and other marine debris.
Smaller marine animals, like sea turtles, seals, and porpoises, may drown immediately if entangled in large or heavy gear. While larger whales can typically pull gear, or parts of it, off the ocean floor, they are still at risk of exhaustion and infection. Entanglement is considered a primary cause of human-caused mortality in many whale species, especially right whales, humpback whales, and gray whales.
To address the issue of entanglement, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) launched the Global Whale Entanglement Response Network in 2011. The network aims to build safe and effective entanglement response capabilities worldwide, with a long-term goal of preventing entanglements from occurring in the first place. The programme is a partnership with the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) and is led by a Technical Advisor who works with both CCS and the IWC. The Technical Advisor conducts training workshops to equip regions, countries, and coastlines with the skills to build their own entanglement response capabilities and create a global network of professional response teams.
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Microplastics
Plastic is a major threat to marine life, and whales are no exception. As plastic does not decompose, it breaks into smaller pieces over time, known as microplastics. These microplastics, approximately 5 mm wide, circulate vertically in the ocean water columns, moving with plankton, the main food source of krill. Baleen whales, such as humpback and blue whales, which feed on krill, end up consuming a significant amount of plastic.
Southern Resident killer whales, an iconic species of a vibrant but struggling marine ecosystem, are among the whales that face the threat of microplastics. They are apex predators, or top predators, occupying the highest trophic level in the food web, with few or no predators of their own. This position in the food chain makes them susceptible to the accumulation of chemical contaminants, including microplastics, from the species they prey on.
Research has shown that microplastics are present in all major seas and oceans, even in the stomach contents of whales. Kim Parsons, a Research Geneticist with NOAA Fisheries' Northwest Fisheries Science Center, suggests two ways in which whales may ingest microplastics: by inadvertently swallowing particles in seawater while feeding on fish, or by consuming contaminated prey, such as salmon. This aligns with the findings of a study published in Nature Communications, which indicated that whales acquire microplastics primarily from their prey rather than directly from seawater.
The impact of microplastics on whale health is a growing concern. While the exact effects are not yet fully understood, scientists have hypothesized several potential consequences. Microplastics may scratch the linings of whales' stomachs, get absorbed into their bloodstream, or pass through their system without being absorbed. Additionally, there are concerns about endocrine disruption, particularly in young whales, which could lead to problems in their development and reproductive health. Furthermore, the presence of microplastics in their diet may result in nutritional deficiencies, as the whales may not be obtaining the necessary nutrients from their food due to the presence of microplastics.
The threat of microplastics to killer whales and other marine life underscores the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic products to minimize their entry into the ocean. It also highlights the need for further research to fully comprehend the extent and consequences of microplastic ingestion by these majestic creatures.
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Global plastic crisis
Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue, with far-reaching consequences for the planet and all its inhabitants. The ongoing global plastic crisis is a serious concern that demands urgent international attention and collaboration.
The sheer magnitude of plastic pollution is staggering. Since the 1950s, 79% of the 8.3 billion tons of plastic produced has ended up in landfills or leaked into the environment. This plastic waste is pervasive, reaching even the most remote places on Earth, from Mount Everest to the Mariana Trench. The annual global production of plastic has skyrocketed, increasing from 1.5 million metric tons in 1950 to an astonishing 413.8 million metric tons in 2023. If current trends persist, the amount of plastic in our oceans is projected to surpass the weight of fish by 2050.
The primary sources of plastic pollution lie in the inadequate collection and disposal of macroplastics, such as plastic bags and packaging, and the leakage of microplastics from various sources like industrial plastic pellets and synthetic textiles. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the problem, with a rise in littering, takeaway packaging, and plastic medical equipment. The ongoing boom in plastic production is closely tied to the use of fossil fuels, with 99% of plastic materials derived from fossil feedstock. This linkage underscores the urgency of addressing the plastic crisis to mitigate climate change.
The impact of plastic pollution on marine life is devastating. Over 240 species of marine animals, including whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds, are affected by plastic ingestion and entanglement. Plastic debris in the oceans poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems and biodiversity. As microplastics break down into smaller pieces, they can release toxic chemical compounds, which work their way up the marine food chain, potentially disrupting the development and reproductive health of marine animals.
To address the global plastic crisis, a multifaceted approach is necessary. This includes reducing plastic production, particularly non-essential plastics, and promoting the development and use of environmentally friendly alternatives. Improving waste management systems and increasing recycling capabilities are also crucial. While some governments have taken steps to limit or ban plastic bags, more international cooperation is needed to effectively tackle this crisis.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic is a leading cause of death for killer whales. Plastic waste in the ocean, such as plastic bags, fishing nets, and other debris, can be ingested by whales, leading to intestinal blockages and starvation.
Plastic waste in the ocean can be mistaken for food by killer whales, leading to ingestion. Once ingested, plastic can obstruct the bowels, preventing digestion and leading to starvation. It can also cause internal damage by puncturing organs.
Reducing plastic waste, especially single-use plastic, is crucial. Recycling and proper waste disposal can help prevent plastic from entering the ocean. Moving away from a plastic-based society and advocating for stricter regulations on plastic production are also essential steps in protecting killer whales and other marine life from the harmful effects of plastic pollution.
