Sperm whales are an endangered species already at high risk in the Mediterranean from deadly collisions with ships, entanglement in drift fishing nets and noise pollution from oil and gas exploration. The study published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin, which organizers say was the first on such a scale in the Mediterranean, found that sperm whales were also the species worst affected by plastic ingestion. It's not just that some random animal swallowed plastic." Frantzis said bags pose a huge problem because, while not more lethal than other plastic items, they are so widely used. "Without our knowledge or intent, some of (the plastic that is swallowed by whales or dolphins) may have passed through our hands.

Source: ABC News June 21, 2019 11:58 UTC