Sealife affected by plastics pollution

Nearly 10 per cent of whales, dolphins, and porpoises examined in Ireland have been found to have consumed plastics, in a new study.

Published in the academic journal, Environmental Pollution, the results reveal the shocking reality of plastic debris in the ocean.

According to data compiled from whale and dolphin strandings and accidental capture in fishing nets off the coast of Ireland between 1990 and 2015, almost one in 10 had plastics in their digestive tracts.

Deep-diving species were found to have ingested more than animals that roam closer to the coast.

The study – one of the largest of its kind – also found 8.5 per cent of those tested had other marine debris in their stomachs and intestines. Eleven species were analysed and items found included plastic bags, fishing hooks and even shotgun cartridges. Samantha Herbert