Sofia Martinez
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that poses a significant threat to marine life, including whales. While it is challenging to determine the exact number of whale deaths caused by plastic pollution, it is evident that plastic is detrimental to their survival. Whales are among the marine species that inadvertently consume plastic, mistaking it for prey, which can lead to fatal blockages in their breathing passages and stomachs. Additionally, they can become entangled in plastic-based fishing gear, resulting in slow and painful deaths. The impact of plastic pollution on whales underscores the urgent need for global efforts to address this issue and protect the health of our oceans and the diverse life they sustain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of whales killed by plastic each year | Unknown, but at least 70 whales die each year from human causes, and over 1 million marine animals are killed by plastic annually |
| Number of whale species that have ingested plastic | 56% of all whale species, or 81 out of 123 marine mammal species |
| Number of whale species affected by plastic pollution | 62 out of 92 cetacean species, including all seven sea turtle species |
| Percentage of plastic pollution in oceans caused by lost or abandoned fishing gear | 10% |
| Number of whales, dolphins, and porpoises entangled in nets and lines each year | 300,000 |
| Number of large whales entangled in fishing gear in the US each year | 74 |
| Number of plastic items ingested by a single whale | 135 |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic ingestion
Marine mammals, including whales, are under threat from plastic pollution, which has been called the "deadliest predator in the sea". Plastic pollution in the ocean is largely caused by land-based activities, with 80% of marine pollution generated on land. Beach litter, street runoff, and waste from boats, weather events, and the fishing industry all contribute to the plastic in our oceans.
Whales are ingesting plastic in growing numbers, and this is proving fatal. Plastic bags, for example, can look like squid to a whale, and plastic waste may confuse the sonar used by some species to identify prey. A stranded whale was found to have ingested 135 items, mostly plastic bags, which is the highest number recorded for that species. Another whale was found with 30kg of plastic in its gut, causing inflammation of its abdominal tissues. A dead pilot whale was found to contain 80 plastic bags in its stomach. It is thought that death from plastic ingestion may be more common than is currently reported, as whales that have ingested plastic are observed swimming with difficulty, making them more likely to be struck by ships or boats.
Microplastics are ingested by small fish, which are then eaten by bigger animals, including whales. This means that the plastic, and any toxic chemicals within it, can build up in the systems of these larger animals in a process called bioaccumulation. This can cause nutrient deprivation and gastric obstruction, as well as poisoning.
It is estimated that 56% of the planet's whale, dolphin, and porpoise species have consumed plastic, and that 100,000 marine mammals die every year as a result of plastic pollution. While it is difficult to know the exact number, it is clear that plastic is having a devastating effect on marine life.
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Plastic entanglement
Every year, an estimated 300,000 whales, dolphins, and porpoises become entangled in plastic and die. While large whales may not drown immediately due to their size and strength, they still face severe risks from the exhaustion of dragging debris and the potential for infection from surface injuries. Entanglement is considered a primary cause of human-induced mortality in many whale species, especially right whales, humpback whales, and gray whales.
Smaller marine animals, such as sea turtles, seals, and smaller whales, are more susceptible to drowning if entangled in large or heavy gear. The impact of entanglement extends beyond immediate death, as the extreme energy exertion required to move with the burden of debris can be lethal for whales. Additionally, entanglement can cause surface injuries, further endangering the health of these magnificent creatures.
Responding to entangled whales is a complex and dangerous task. Specialized responders trained by organizations like NOAA Fisheries work tirelessly to free these majestic creatures from life-threatening entanglements. They employ techniques such as satellite tracking and "kegging," a method adapted from historic whaling practices, to approach and disentangle whales safely.
The issue of plastic entanglement demands urgent attention and action. With over 100,000 marine mammals dying annually due to plastic pollution, it is essential to address the root causes and implement preventive measures. This includes improving waste management systems, banning single-use plastics, and advocating for legally binding agreements to stop the leakage of plastics into our oceans. By working together, we can protect whales and other marine life from the deadly threat of plastic entanglement.
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Plastic in whale prey
Plastic pollution is a serious threat to whales, with over 100,000 marine mammals dying each year as a result. One of the primary ways plastic kills whales is by ingestion, as whales mistake plastic for prey.
A recent study by Duke University and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found that deep-diving whales that use echolocation to hunt in the ocean's depths are confusing plastic waste for prey. The study compared the acoustic signatures of plastic and whale prey, such as squid and squid beaks, and found that plastic had similar or stronger echoes, leading whales to misinterpret acoustic cues and consume plastic. This is particularly true for plastic bags, which can look like squid to a whale.
The impact of ingesting plastic can be devastating for whales, causing starvation, nutrient deprivation, gastric obstruction, and even death. Small pieces of plastic consumed by whales can also build up over time, leading to bioaccumulation and poisoning by toxic chemicals.
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size, are another form of plastic pollution that can end up in the prey of whales. These microplastics are ingested by small fish and crustaceans, which are then eaten by larger animals, including whales. As a result, toxic chemicals can bioaccumulate in the systems of whales, causing health issues.
The presence of plastic in whale prey highlights the complex and serious nature of plastic pollution and its impact on marine ecosystems. It underscores the need for global solutions and policy actions to address the issue and protect whale populations.
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Plastic pollution sources
Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue, threatening marine life and ecosystems. The primary source of plastic pollution is littering, with disposable plastic items like food wrappings, bags, bottles, and other single-use plastics ending up in waterways and oceans due to improper disposal. About 80% of marine plastic pollution originates from land-based activities, and over 1000 rivers contribute significantly to this problem.
The fishing industry is a notable contributor to plastic pollution, with lost or abandoned fishing gear, often referred to as "ghost gear," accounting for about 10% of ocean plastic pollution. This gear, including nets and ropes, entangles and kills marine animals like whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
Improper manufacturing processes and industrial fishing practices also play a role in plastic pollution. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, are another significant source, often derived from the breakdown of larger plastics due to environmental factors like sunlight. These microplastics have been found in whales and their prey, posing risks to marine ecosystems and biodiversity through bioaccumulation and biomagnification.
The mismanagement of plastic waste exacerbates the problem, with a quarter of plastic waste globally being mismanaged. This mismanagement includes a lack of recycling, improper incineration, and inadequate storage in sealed landfills. Additionally, the production and use of plastic are still at their highest, with only about 10% of plastic being recycled.
To address plastic pollution, a united global response is necessary, including clear obligations and responsibilities. Initiatives like the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI) aim to address the issue of lost and abandoned fishing gear. Improving waste management systems, banning single-use plastics, and adopting legally binding targets to eliminate plastic waste are crucial steps in mitigating the impact of plastic pollution on the environment and marine life, including whales.
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Global solutions to plastic pollution
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to ocean health worldwide. It is a global problem that requires a global solution. While plastic pollution in the oceans is essentially irreversible, there are many solutions to plastic pollution that can be implemented today.
One of the most important solutions is to reduce plastic production and use. This can be achieved through legislation and regulatory solutions that address the plastic pollution crisis at its source. For example, the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act in the United States is a comprehensive federal bill that aims to address the plastic pollution crisis. The Single-Use Plastics Directive in Europe is another example of legislation that aims to reduce plastic use.
Another solution is to improve waste management systems. This includes banning single-use plastics and adopting legally binding targets to eliminate plastic waste by 2030. Governments and businesses must work together to develop better waste management practices and reduce plastic waste.
The Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI) is a global cross-sectoral alliance of 100 organizations that aims to address the issue of abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear, which accounts for about 10% of the world’s ocean plastic pollution. By joining the GGGI, countries can access critical technical support to address ghost gear in their national fisheries and help develop the global capacity to solve this problem.
Individuals can also play a role in reducing plastic pollution. Carrying a reusable water bottle, avoiding products containing plastic microbeads, and opting for natural exfoliants instead of plastic scrubbers in beauty products are simple ways to reduce plastic use and prevent plastic pollution. Staying informed and spreading awareness about plastic pollution is also important in driving global solutions.
Through a combination of legislative action, improved waste management, industry initiatives, and individual efforts, we can work towards reducing plastic pollution and protecting our oceans and marine life, including whales, from the deadly effects of plastic.
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Frequently asked questions
It is difficult to know the exact number, but it is estimated that plastic kills 100,000 marine mammals annually. 56% of the world's whale species have consumed plastic, and plastic is the leading cause of drowning in marine mammals.
Marine mammals often mistake plastic for food. For example, a plastic bag floating in the water can look like a squid to a whale.
Plastic blocks the breathing passages and stomachs of whales, causing an excruciating death. Plastic also releases toxic chemicals that build up in the systems of whales over time, poisoning them.
Plastic enters the ocean in several ways. Beach litter, runoff from streets, and plastic pollution from boats and weather events are some sources. The fishing industry is a major contributor, with over 10% of ocean plastic pollution coming from lost or abandoned fishing gear.
A united global response is needed to address plastic pollution and protect whales. Governments and businesses should develop better waste management systems, ban single-use plastics, and set legally binding targets to eliminate plastic waste. Individuals can also make a difference by reducing their plastic use, recycling, and participating in beach cleanups.
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