A recent study highlights a troubling discovery about whales and plastic pollution. When hunting in the dark depths of the ocean, whales rely on sound waves to locate their prey. However, new research shows that certain plastic debris, like broken balloons, can acoustically resemble their natural food sources, such as squid.
Conducted by researchers from Duke University, the study involved underwater acoustic tests comparing plastic items found on beaches to real squid. The findings revealed that the sound produced by plastic, particularly plastic films, closely mimics that of squid, leading to potential ingestion of harmful materials by whales.
The research utilized sonar frequencies similar to those emitted by whales to test plastic debris collected from Beaufort and Atlantic Beach in North Carolina.
Results indicated that 100% of the plastic tested had acoustic signatures similar to or stronger than those of squid.
This confusion can lead whales to consume plastic, resulting in severe health risks such as intestinal blockages, malnutrition, and even death.
Whales are already a vulnerable species, facing threats from hunting and entanglement in fishing gear. The study underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these majestic creatures from the dangers of plastic pollution and human activity.