In what scientists have qualified as a “rare and tragic event,” a rare pygmy sperm whale died off the coast of Honduras because a plastic bag had become lodged in its stomach.
According to Phys.org. the latest victim of humans’ throwaway habits, occurred after researchers discovered the young pygmy sperm whale struggling to breathe near the mainland of the Honduras last month. The whale had been beaching itself repeatedly despite scientists trying to coax and push it back into the ocean. Sadly, the whale died that day.
A necropsy was ordered, and an 11-inch plastic bag had become lodged in its stomach. The whale also suffered from a parasitic infection which “may have contributed to digestive blockage.”
The death of any sea animal is tragic; so much trash is routinely tossed into our oceans. Humans need to pay attention.
Pygmy sperm whales live in warm waters across the world and weigh about 1,000 pounds. They are recognized by their flat heads and curved dorsal fins. They are rarely seen, and the loss of this one makes the story of these whales even sadder.
How many other animals die daily because of trash thrown into our oceans? Think about the sea turtles, sea birds and other denizens of the deep consuming plastics and trash.
According to Phys.org., it is estimated more than 100,000 marine mammals and more than one million seabirds die each year because of ingesting trash or entanglements. Surely, we can do better.
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