Cetaceans and Marine Debris: The Great Unknown
Author
Source
Issue
Vol. 2012, Issue 2012 (31 Dec. 2012), pp.1-8, 8 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2012-06-28
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
8
Main Subjects
Earth Science , Water and Environment
Abstract EN
Plastics and other marine debris have been found in the gastrointestinal tracts of cetaceans, including instances where large quantities of material have been found that are likely to cause impairment to digestive processes and other examples, where other morbidity and even death have resulted.
In some instances, debris may have been ingested as a result of the stranding process and, in others, it may have been ingested when feeding.
Those species that are suction or “ram” feeders may be most at risk.
There is also evidence of entanglement of cetaceans in marine debris.
However, it is usually difficult to distinguish entanglement in active fishing gear from that in lost or discarded gear.
The overall significance of the threat from ingested plastics and other debris remains unclear for any population or species of cetaceans, although there are concerns for some taxa, including at the population level, and marine debris in the oceans continues to grow.
Further research including the compilation of unpublished material and the investigation of important habitat areas is strongly recommended.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Simmonds, Mark Peter. 2012. Cetaceans and Marine Debris: The Great Unknown. Journal of Marine Sciences،Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-8.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-997010
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Simmonds, Mark Peter. Cetaceans and Marine Debris: The Great Unknown. Journal of Marine Sciences No. 2012 (2012), pp.1-8.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-997010
American Medical Association (AMA)
Simmonds, Mark Peter. Cetaceans and Marine Debris: The Great Unknown. Journal of Marine Sciences. 2012. Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-8.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-997010
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-997010