Tragic Death in Hawaii Coast: Fishing Gear, Plastic Found in Sperm Whale's Stomach

The dead sperm whale found on the shore of Hawaii consumed plastic debris and fishing gear, which could lead to sudden death.

Sperm whales have suffered from the threat of plastic pollution in the world's oceans.

The threat of plastics on bodies of water has raised concerns over the impact on the marine environment.

Sperm whales consumed plastic and fishing gear

Recently, a dead sperm whale was found ashore in Hawaii, according to The Guardian's report.

The whale was said to be 56ft and 54,000 kg.

Immediately, scientists examined the tragic death of the dead sperm whale.

According to The Guardian, Kristi West, the University of Hawaii's Health and Stranding Lab's director, explained that the dead whale's stomach had foreign objects, including fishing gear and plastic debris.

The problem of plastic pollution and fishing gear entanglement has been a growing concern due to its impact on endangered marine animals.

The report said that the foreign objects inside the sperm whale's stomach blocked the digestion of fish and squid.

Two types of plastic bags, fishing net and traps, were discovered from the whale.

It could have been more, as the researchers did not look into the stomach entirely.

From 1800 to 1987, NOAA reported that sperm whales suffered from the commercial whaling industry.

It resulted in the decline of the sperm whale population, and their species are considered Endangered.

Also Read: Whale Sighted Off North Carolina's Coast Suffers from Fishing Gear Entanglement, Serious Injury; Experts Raise Concerns 

Last year, Nature World News reported that blue whales are the biggest microplastic consumer.

Blue whales eat 10 million pieces of microplastic daily.

Fishing gear entanglement

Recently, The News and Observer reported, on January 13, that an injured whale was found off North Carolina's Outer Banks.

NOAA said that a four-year-old right whale was seriously injured, with signs of wounds and possible parasites.

The report noted that the whale could likely survive due to injuries from fishing gear entanglement.

NOAA explained that they did not immediately rescue the whale because it was already far away for rescuers.

However, the agency ensured that they would try to locate the injured whale.

Dolphins are also victims of fishing gear entanglement.

Reuters further reported that endangered Irrawaddy dolphins died from fishing gear entanglement.

Other threats that sperm whales face

According to the Conserve Wildlife in New Jersey, sperm whales are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection of 1972.

Unlike other whales, the report said that sperm whales have the most number of whales, estimating the population can reach from 200,000 to 1,500,000.

In addition, sperm whales are no strangers to threats.

The population of sperm whales suffers from habitat loss, fishing gear entanglement, climate change, ship collisions, noise pollution and commercial hunting.

Did you know? Facts about Sperm Whales

According to NOAA, sperm whales are considered the largest whales with the tooth, swimming over the world's oceans.

The name is derived from spermaceti.

NOAA said it is a waxy substance in their heads. The role of the spermaceti is for the animals to focus on sound.

Related Article: Blue Whales Are the Biggest Microplastic Consumer Victims, Eating an Estimated 10 Million Pieces of Microplastic Daily

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