How Many Whales Die From Plastic Each Year?
By Lauren Orme
Whales are the most intelligent creatures in the ocean. The biggest whale, the blue whale, is the largest animal to have ever lived on our planet (bigger than any of the dinosaurs!). Whales sing, mourn their dead, and even have their own names (Center for Biological Diversity). Because of their size and superior intelligence, whales are rarely the prey of other animals. But because of humans, a new “predator” has been killing whales in growing numbers—plastic.
How Many Whales Die Each Year?
Between December 2022 and March of 2023, several species of whale, including ten humpbacks, were stranded on the beach between New York and North Carolina. It was the highest number of whale deaths recorded in that time span. While the cause of these deaths is still being researched, the same thing occurred in that region in the winter of 2016-2017, and the amount of cargo ships in the Atlantic Ocean is rapidly increasing (National Geographic).
Like most marine life, whales are negatively impacted by pollution, boat traffic, ocean acidification, and rising ocean temperatures. At least 70 whales die each year from human causes, including whaling, or hunting, which takes place in some parts of the world like Norway and Japan (Scientific American), and the number of whale deaths is growing. Since the 1970s, an increasing number of whales have been killed by plastic.
How Is Plastic Killing Whales?
Plastic gets to the ocean in several ways. Litter left on beaches or runoff from streets eventually makes its way to the sea. Some plastic pollution comes from boats or weather events, and even more comes from the fishing industry. Over 10% of the plastic pollution in the ocean is lost or abandoned fishing gear (World Wildlife). Scientists estimate that over 5 million tons of plastic is in the ocean today. That is the same weight as 5 million buffalo or 25,000 blue whales (PLOS ONE).
Plastic does not decompose. Over time, exposure to sunlight breaks plastic products into smaller pieces in a process called photodegradation. These microplastics are approximately 5 mm wide and start circulating vertically with plankton through ocean water columns (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration).
Because microplastic moves through the water column with plankton, and plankton are the main food source of krill, baleen whales like humpback and blue whales that feed on krill accidentally consume an enormous amount of plastic. Analysis of the feeding behavior in blue whales shows a single whale can accidentally consume up to 10 million pieces of microplastic in one day (Stanford).
Taiwan Food Culture
Taiwan, a country known for its vibrant and diverse culinary scene, offers a plethora of delicious food options. When it comes to exploring the culinary delights of Taiwan, there are three cities that stand out as must-visit destinations: Taipei, Taichung, and Tainan.
1. Taipei: As the capital city of Taiwan, Taipei is a food lover’s paradise. The bustling night markets, such as Shilin and Raohe, are renowned for their wide variety of street food offerings. From mouthwatering stinky tofu and oyster omelets to juicy beef noodles and bubble tea, Taipei has it all.
The city is also home to numerous high-end restaurants and unique dining experiences, where both traditional Taiwanese cuisine and innovative fusion dishes can be enjoyed.
2. Taichung: Located in central Taiwan, Taichung is another culinary destination that shouldn’t be missed. Fengjia Night Market is a popular spot for food enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of local delicacies. One must-try dish is sun cake, a flaky pastry filled with maltose and roasted sesame seeds. Taichung is also known for its tea culture, where visitors can enjoy a traditional tea ceremony or indulge in bubble tea, a globally loved Taiwanese invention.
3. Tainan: Considered the culinary capital of Taiwan, Tainan is renowned for its rich history and traditional street food scene. Anping Old Street is a must-visit for food lovers, offering an array of snacks like coffin bread, oyster vermicelli, and shrimp rolls. Tainan is also famous for its seafood, particularly for its mouthwatering shrimp dishes.
Additionally, the city boasts numerous traditional food stalls and restaurants, allowing visitors to experience authentic Taiwanese flavors passed down through generations. In summary, Taipei, Taichung, and Tainan are three culinary cities in Taiwan that offer unique and diverse dining experiences.
From vibrant night markets to high-end restaurants, these cities showcase the rich gastronomic heritage of Taiwan, making them ideal destinations for food enthusiasts to savor the delicious cuisine the country has to offer.
Interesting Facts About Blue Whales
Blue whales exhibit a captivating and diverse color palette. When submerged underwater, their majestic bodies appear a surreal shade of true blue. However, when they gracefully emerge to the surface, their coloring transforms into an enchanting blend of mottled blue-gray hues.
An intriguing aspect of their appearance lies beneath their colossal frames – their underbellies possess a distinctive yellowish tint, owing to the presence of millions of microorganisms that find solace on their skin.
The physical attributes of a blue whale are equally awe-inspiring. With a head that is broad and flat, they possess a gracefully elongated body that tapers towards their posterior, culminating in enormous, triangular flukes that leave one in a state of wonder and admiration.
Blue Whale Sound Effect
Blue whales, found in oceans around the world except the Arctic, exhibit fascinating vocalization patterns and behaviors. While they are typically solitary or found in pairs, at times they can be seen swimming in small groups. During the summer months, they can be found feeding in polar waters and as winter approaches, they embark on lengthy migrations towards the Equator. One notable aspect of blue whales is their ability to produce incredibly loud sounds.
They emit a variety of vocalizations including pulses, groans, and moans. In fact, they are considered one of the loudest creatures on Earth. Under optimal conditions, it is believed that blue whales can hear each other from distances of up to 1,000 miles. This suggests that vocalizations play a crucial role in communication among these magnificent creatures. The purpose of these vocalizations extends beyond mere communication.
Blue whales utilize their excellent hearing abilities in conjunction with their vocalizations to effectively navigate the vast, dark depths of the ocean. This is believed to be a form of sonar navigation, allowing them to navigate and locate their surroundings with precision.
When agitated, blue whales display impressive bursts of speed. While they generally cruise through the ocean at a leisurely pace of over five miles per hour, their speed can increase to over 20 miles per hour when they are in an excited state.
This exemplifies their ability to adapt and respond to different situations, showcasing their agility despite their enormous size. In summary, blue whales are known for their distinct vocalizations, which serve both as a means of communication and navigation.
Their ability to produce sounds of considerable volume allows them to stay connected over long distances, while their remarkable hearing aids them in exploring the depths of the ocean. Furthermore, their behavior indicates a level of adaptability, as they can swiftly accelerate when necessary.
Interesting Facts about Blue Whales
Blue whale calves are truly remarkable creatures with several fascinating qualities. One intriguing fact is that they are already among the largest animals on Earth when they are born.
After spending approximately a year inside their mother’s womb, these newborns come into the world weighing up to an astonishing 3 tons and measuring about 25 feet in length.
Another intriguing aspect of their growth is their feeding behavior. Blue whale calves rely exclusively on their mother’s milk for nourishment in their first year of life. During this time, they undergo rapid growth, gaining an impressive 200 pounds every day.
These facts highlight the incredible start to life that blue whale calves experience, showcasing the sheer size and rapid development they undergo during their early stages.
How Many Animals Die A Year Due To Plastic Pollution?
Over 240 species of marine life consume plastic, and even more are threatened by entanglement, or getting caught in nylon fishing nets (nylon is a plastic product). Over one million ocean animals are killed by plastic every year (UNESCO).
How Many Animals Die From Plastic Every Year PDF
How_Many_Animals_Die_from_Plastic_Pollution-_Hemingway_Analysis.docx (1)Which Animals Consume The Most Plastic?
Marine life, including turtles and seabirds, are ingesting plastic in growing numbers. Some dead birds have been found with over twenty five pieces of plastic in their stomachs (National Geographic). Animals that eat plastic face a series of issues, including starvation, nutrient deprivation, and gastric obstruction (World Wildlife).
Plastic is not always eaten directly. Microplastics are ingested by small fish which are then eaten by bigger animals. Gradually the plastic, and any toxic chemicals within it, build up in the systems of bigger animals in a process called bioaccumulation. Whales store nutrients in the fat on their body (blubber), and can be slowly poisoned by these chemicals over time (Blue Ocean Society).
The Importance of Marine Life
The ocean affects the planet’s water cycle, weather, and climate, and provides food and habitat for billions of animals. A stable planet relies on a healthy, balanced ocean.
Every organism has a role in its ecosystem. When one member of an ecosystem is affected, the entire balance is threatened.
Whales are among the marine life that relies on healthy oceans, and healthy oceans depend on whales. Over their lifetimes, whales provide critical fertilizer for marine ecosystems and combat climate disruption. One whale can capture approximately the same amount of carbon as 1,000 trees! (World Wildlife). The lifespans of whales vary from 100 – 200 years, which means carbon can be stored in living whales for generations. If the ocean loses its whales, the whole planet will be affected, including humans.
You Can Help!
Plastic in the ocean is a terrible problem, but anyone can make a difference. Avoid using plastic products whenever you can, especially single use plastic. Before using a plastic product, take a moment to consider if there is an alternative.
Some plastic can be recycled, but it must be done carefully! If the wrong materials end up in recycling, the whole load is sometimes thrown away, including highly recyclable materials like aluminum.
It’s challenging to regulate plastic production internationally, and the policies that do exist favor the economy over ecology (PLOS ONE). One of the most effective things you can do to stop plastic pollution is consuming consciously. Choosing products made locally will reduce shipping pollution and boat strikes on whales, and selecting items packaged in aluminum or biodegradable material sends a clear message. Corporations will start using eco-friendly alternatives to plastic if there is a market for it.
Our choices today will impact tomorrow, but what about plastic already in the ocean? Follow Ocean Blue Project to learn more about other ways to help, like hosting your own cleanup or finding a beach or river cleanup near you!
Author Bio: Lauren Orme is a writer with a background in environmental studies and marine science. She loves exploring the ocean and is passionate about sharing it with others. In her free time, Lauren likes to be outside with her dog.