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WorldWideWhale.com A Web site dedicated to Cetaceans, the whales and dolphins of this blue planet,
and the people who fight to save them.

Pollution: Ocean Trash and Toxic Runoff Endanger Sea Life!

Headlines

January 01, 2008
Government silent on whaler watching
full story...

December 24, 2007
Ferry speed called key to collisions with whales
full story...

December 22, 2007
Japan commits to commercial whaling despite humpback backdown
full story...

December 21, 2007
More action needed to save whales
full story...

Toxic Exposure

Toxic substances accumulate in the highest concentrations as they move up the food chain. Orca Whales, being the top predator in their environment, are more affected by pollutants than other sea creatures. Examinations of stranded killer whales have shown extremely high concentrations of lead, mercury and polychlorinated hydrocarbons (PCBs). These levels may be high enough to affect reproduction, immune function and endocrine function in the animals, resulting in their declining populations. These toxins are the result of abandoned marine toxic waste dumps and industrial and human refuse pollution into the oceans.

Dangers!

The following pictures may be difficult to look at, but if we are to protect cetaceans, we must be aware of the dangers that they face, from humans with which they share their habitat!

Dead whale

This whale caught her jaw on a cable below the sea and fought so hard to get free that she broke her jaw and died from infection, which also killed her unborn calf.

Dangers of fishing lines.

This whale was killed when its tail flukes were caught in fishing line. It became tangled then drifted for about a year before dying of starvation and dehydration.

 

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