Fears plastic in Thames could harm visiting beluga whale

FEARS have been raised that plastic or pollution could harm the beluga whale after it was seen swimming towards London yesterday.

Conservationists have hoped that the arctic visitor would be helped out of the Thames Estuary by the tide, as it is some 30 miles from the sea.

While it is feeding normally, the whale is out of its natural territory and is likely to be alarmed by passing ships – and tempted to eat plastic bags.

Those gathered on the banks on the Thames on the whale’s third day in Kent said they were pleased to see it, but were worried for its fate. Carl Chapman, a cetacean recorder from Norfolk, said he was concerned for the animal’s welfare without its pod.

He added: “Danger from a ship strike is its primary threat. It’s certainly lost, outside of its normal range, but as climate change hits we will see more arctic species appearing from time to time.

“It’s well-fed, it’s not showing any issues with regards to being thin or pointed on the spine, and as it is an estuary-dwelling animal, the fresh water will not be phasing it at all.”

Tanya Ferry, environment manager at the Port of London Authority, said she was worried it could ingest plastic, as there was so much in the Thames.

Marine experts have said that although the warm, polluted waters of the Thames are not ideal for the animal, it could stay for weeks if it keeps happily feeding on crabs. British Divers Marine Life Rescue have been monitoring the rare mammal and will come to its aid if it becomes beached or stuck. They are currently hoping it will leave of its own accord.