Irish Whale and Dolphin Group point out danger of microplastic to marine creatures

Yn Commeeys Celtiagh - Celtic League Mannin draw attention to an article in the newspaper Irish World that reports on a study of dead whales, dolphins and porpoises in Ireland, which found that nearly one in 10 were found with marine debris in their systems:

MARINE WASTE MAY BE CAUSE OF UNPRECEDENTED LEVEL OF CETACEAN STRANDINGS

Marine waste and microplastics could be the cause of a record number of whale and dolphin strandings. This report in the Irish World newspaper speculates:

“The number of dolphins and whales washing up on Irish coasts reached record levels last year, according to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG)

Some 263 cetacean strandings were reported around all of Ireland, 44 more than the last highest level in 2013.
Dr Simon Berrow, chief science officer of The IWDG’s chief science officer said that the increase in strandings is “unprecedented”.

He told a Cork radio station: “At least 12 species were reported, with the common dolphin being by far the most common, with harbour porpoises a distant second.”

Full report here with a further link to a study on fish ingestion of microplastic in the deep oceans:

http://www.theirishworld.com/big-increase-stranded-whales-…/

Bernard Moffatt
pp Celtic League

03/03/18