Gray whales ingest over 20 million microplastic particles every day: study

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered that gray whales feeding off the Oregon coast consume a staggering 21 million microplastic particles per day. By analyzing the excrement of these whales, the scientists were able to reveal this troubling information. Study authors Leigh Torres and Susan Brander emphasize that the presence of these microplastics is increasing rapidly and will likely continue to do so for many years.

Microparticle pollution threatens gray whale health

Aside from other challenges like increased boat traffic and loss of prey, the pollution caused by microparticles poses a significant threat to the health of gray whales. Lei Torres, an associate professor at Oregon State, expressed concern over these findings, stating that the presence of microplastics is becoming more pervasive, affecting us all.

Susan Brander, Associate Professor and Oregon State Ecotoxicologist, added that the study highlights the urgent need to reduce the release of fine particles due to their deleterious effects on organisms and ecosystems. While some states, like California, have taken steps to address the problem, Brander stresses that more action is required, including in Oregon, as this problem isn't going away anytime soon.

The research focused on a specific group of about 230 gray whales known as the Pacific Coast Feeding Group. These whales spend their winters in Baja California, Mexico, migrating north from June to November to forage in coastal habitats from northern California to southern British Columbia.

Since 2015, Leigh Torres and her team, including Lisa Hildebrandt, have been studying the health and behavior of this group of gray whales using drones and other equipment. As part of her research, they collected fecal samples from these whales.

21 million microparticles per day

For this new study, the researchers collected zooplankton, which serves as the main food source for gray whales and fish. They analyzed microparticles in 26 zooplankton samples collected from areas where whales feed and found microplastics in all of them. More than 50 percent of the identified microparticles contained fibers.

Combining these data with known estimates of zooplankton consumption by lactating and pregnant female gray whales, Torres and Hildebrandt determined that these whales consume between 6.5 million and 21 million microparticles per day.

These findings indicate that the whales are ingesting a significant amount of microplastics through their diet, raising concerns about potential human exposure to microplastics through shellfish consumption. Gray whales, being filter feeders, are also likely to directly consume fine particles from the water and sediments on the ocean floor.

Whales ingesting harmful microplastics

Analysis of the fecal samples revealed the types of particles ingested by the gray whales, with the majority being fibers. The researchers also found that the size of these particles in the feces was significantly larger than those found in plankton, suggesting that the larger particles originate from water or sediment rather than prey.

Gray whales already face numerous threats, including the risk of ship strikes and changes to their environment, such as loss of seagrass. The presence of microplastics further exacerbates these challenges, which can lead to poor nutrition, stunted growth, reduced fertility, and habitat neglect.

The researchers continue their research by studying the effects of microfibers on plankton, which serve as a vital food source for whales and fish in Oregon waters. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, highlights growing concerns around microplastic pollution and its impact on marine ecosystems.

ALSO READ

• Why are Himachal Pradesh Apple Farmers protesting?
• Paddy farmers of Kashmir, how is climate change affecting them?
• How climate change is affecting lives of farmers in Bihar?
• Farmers in MP face crop failure every year due to climate change

Follow Ground Report for Climate Change and Under-Reported issues in India. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Koo App, Instagram, Whatsapp and YouTube. Write us on [email protected].