We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Cetaceans as Ocean Health Indicators of Marine Litter Impact at Global Scale
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesized global evidence on how marine litter, including both macro- and micro-scale plastic, impacts cetacean species through entanglement and ingestion. It called for better understanding of current and predicted impacts to inform conservation measures for whale and dolphin populations.
Marine litter is a growing concern for marine animals, including cetaceans for which there is a developing body of evidence showing impacts of both entanglement and ingestion. Better understanding is needed of the current and predicted scales of impacts on cetacean species of both macro- and micro-litter. Some emerging methodological approaches, such as the “threefold approach,” will help address data gaps. The relationship between this form of pollution and some cetaceans is strong and the particular feeding habits, and widespread distribution of two whale species means that they can be proposed as ocean health indicators for macro- and micro-litter impacts at global scales, helping steer research. The species concerned are sperm whales ( Physeter macrocephalus ), for macro-litter at depth, and fin whales ( Balaenoptera physalus ), for micro-debris. Once appropriate techniques have been fully developed for non-lethal assessment, other whale species might also be used as indicators of litter pollution in their specific feeding zones.
More Papers Like This
Marine litter: One of the major threats for marine mammals
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper reviews the threats that marine litter — especially plastic — poses to marine mammals through ingestion and entanglement, synthesizing evidence across species globally. It documents the breadth of species affected and calls for international policy action to reduce marine plastic inputs to protect cetaceans and other marine mammals.
Marine litter: One of the major threats for marine mammals. Outcomes from the European Cetacean Society workshop
AI summary Read the abstract
This European Cetacean Society workshop review compiled expert knowledge on the impacts of marine litter on marine mammals, finding that plastic ingestion and entanglement negatively affect a wide range of cetacean species globally. Researchers identified critical data gaps and recommended standardised monitoring protocols to better quantify mortality and sub-lethal effects.
Cetaceans and Marine Debris: The Great Unknown
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines evidence for plastic and marine debris ingestion and entanglement in cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), finding that while cases of illness and death from plastic ingestion have been documented, many questions about the extent of the problem remain unanswered. The authors call for better standardized reporting to understand the true scale of marine debris impacts on these animals.
Marine litter, microplastics and marine megafauna
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the entanglement and ingestion of marine litter, particularly plastic, by megafauna including whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. It documents how both large plastic debris and microplastics threaten charismatic marine species through physical injury, starvation, and toxicological effects.
Marine litter: trends and impacts in marine fauna
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes evidence on marine litter sources, distribution, and ecological impacts, with particular focus on microplastics as a pervasive contaminant across all marine habitats. It finds that microplastics threaten marine life through ingestion, entanglement, and chemical transport, with impacts spanning trophic levels from plankton to large marine mammals.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.