How Removing Plastic from Our Ocean Saves Whales

How Removing Plastic from Our Ocean Saves Whales

By Abraham Mengistu

When I was young, my family and I went on a whale-watching trip off the coast of California. Seeing these majestic creatures, especially the humpback whales, left me in awe. As I grew older, I learned about the various threats these marine giants face, including the problem of plastic pollution in our oceans. Inspired by my childhood experience, I have become passionate about advocating for cleaner oceans to ensure that future generations can witness the beauty of humpback whales during their migration.

Background on Frodo the Whale

Meet Frodo, a humpback whale embarking on an incredible journey yearly. Humpback whales, like Frodo, migrate thousands of miles from their feeding grounds in cold waters to their breeding grounds in warmer regions. Their migration is a spectacle of nature, but it is challenging. The increasing amount of plastic pollution in the ocean makes Frodo’s journey even more difficult.

Between 2017 and 2018, Frodo made headlines in the scientific community. The humpback whale broke the record for the longest distance traveled by a member of his species, nearly 7,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean. Frodo swam from Saipan in the Mariana Islands to Sayulita, Mexico. Frodo’s journey is significant because it adjusted our perspective on humpback migration patterns. It questions the obstacles that humpback whales and other marine species face.

Humpback Whale Facts

Humpback whales are a subspecies of baleen whales. Baleen whales are large whales that do not have teeth. Instead, they have baleens, which are keratin plates used as an adaptation for filter-feeding. Baleen whales also have smooth skin with no oil glands or pores. The lack of fur on a whale’s skin is an adaptation, allowing for more efficient swimming. In general, female baleen whales are slightly larger than male baleen whales. There are about 16 species of baleen whales and three separate populations of humpbacks. 

Here is species-specific information regarding humpback whales:

• They can live for 80 to 90 years and grow up to 60 feet and 80,000 pounds. 
• They also have distinctive humps on their backs and have broad tails. 
• Humpback whales are not predatory. As filter feeders, humpbacks feed on krill and small fish. 
• Predators of humpback whales include large sharks, killer whales, false killer whales, and humans. 
• There haven’t been many documented cases of non-human predatory attacks on humpback whales. However, young humpback whales, as well as sick or old humpbacks, are vulnerable to predation. 

In terms of behavior, humpback whales are typically observed alone; however, for short periods, they may be found in small groups. These small groups would band together to forage cooperatively. Long-term relationships lasting more than a few months are rare. 

During mating season, groups of male whales can surround a female and display behavior that establishes dominance among one another. Male humpbacks are also known for their singing behavior, which plays a role in mate selection. Whales of the same population sing the same song, whereas whales from different populations have different songs. 

Why Frodo’s Journey is Significant

Frodo’s journey is crucial because it helps us understand why humpback whales sing. Whale songs are complex and structured, repeating themes and phrases like stanzas and lines in poetry. These songs play a role in attracting mates and repelling rivals. According to NOAA, whales use their songs during migration, an essential part of their mating strategy. They sing while traveling between feeding grounds and breeding grounds. Some scientists think whales practice their songs in feeding areas to perfect them for mating season. Others believe seasonal changes or hormonal shifts trigger singing. 

In other words, Frodo’s migration is vital for the survival of his species. Hiss journey allows him to find food and mate with other humpback whales, which are crucial for the health of the entire whale population and the marine ecosystem. Unfortunately, plastic pollution threatens Frodo and other whales. Plastic pollution obstructs their migration paths and endangers their lives.

Ocean Conservation Challenges Facing Whales

Plastic in our oceans has become a critical issue, affecting many marine life. For whales, the dangers include ingesting plastic debris and entanglement in plastic waste. These incidents can lead to severe injuries or even death. The buildup of plastic in marine ecosystems also disrupts the food chain, impacting the entire ecosystem.

1. Ingestion of Plastic: Humpback whales consume an estimated 200,000 pieces of microplastic per day. Whales often mistake plastic bags and other debris for food. When ingested, plastic can cause internal blockages and injuries, leading to malnutrition or death. 
2. Entanglement: Whales can become entangled in discarded fishing gear and other plastic waste. This entanglement can impede their movement, making it difficult for them to swim and feed. An estimated 300,000 whales and dolphins die annually due to entanglement. 
3. Pollution of Feeding Grounds: Plastic pollution contaminates whales’ feeding grounds, reducing the availability of their prey and potentially introducing toxic substances into their food chain.

Additionally, whales face pressure from commercial whaling. Commercial whaling is a practice driven by commercial gain. It is different from sustenance hunting done by aboriginal communities. Humpback whales are hunted for their meat, oil, and baleen. Between 1866 and 1875, European whaling ships hunted humpback whales to near depletion.

Take Action to Reduce Plastic Pollution

To protect humpback whales like Frodo, we must take immediate action to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans. Organizations like Ocean Blue Project are dedicated to cleaning our oceans and protecting marine life. By supporting these initiatives, we can help ensure that future generations of humpback whales can safely complete their migrations and thrive in a healthy environment.

You can make a difference by reducing your plastic use, participating in beach cleanups, and spreading awareness about the impact of plastic pollution on marine life. Visit Ocean Blue Project’s volunteer page to learn more about their work and how you can contribute. Together, we can protect our ocean and the magnificent creatures that call it home.

Author Bio: Abraham Mengistu studied Supply Chain Management at Western Michigan University. In his free time, he enjoys watching action shows, reading, and learning new things.