blue whales absorb up to 10 million pieces of microplastics every day, according to an American study

Whales ingest a lot of plastic: this is what emerges from a survey carried out by American scientists. They followed, thanks to sensors, nearly 200 marine mammals evolving off the coast of California. They found that these whales mainly fed at depths between 50 and 250 meters, where we find “the greatest concentration of micro-plastics”.

The whale would thus be the biggest consumer of micro-plastic in the world: more than 43 kilos swallowed up every day, according to the calculations of the researchers who did not expect such quantities. In fact, whales do not ingest plastic directly. In 99% of cases, it is via their prey that they are affected, for example krill – a type of shrimp – which they love. Unfortunately, krill tend to swallow these plastic particles and therefore contaminate marine mammals. The researchers now intend to determine the consequences on their health, but according to estimates already made by theunited nations educational, scientific and cultural organizationUnesco), plastic waste is responsible for the death of 100,000 marine mammals and more than a million birds each year.

Obviously, we must reduce our consumption of plastic, the experts have been repeating it for years, but according to the Ellen Macarthur Foundation, the objectives set by large groups such as Nestlé or L’Oréal will not be achieved. This is what emerges from its latest report published on Wednesday 2 November.
These companies are committed to ensuring that 100% of packaging will be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025, but for the foundation, this objective cannot be met. Worse: the use of virgin – that is, non-recycled – plastic has increased for some groups after three consecutive years of decline. This is the case of the Coca-Cola, Mars or Pepsi brands.

Governments promise to act. Diplomats from UN member countries are meeting at the end of the month in Uruguay to discuss plastic pollution, including at sea. Environmental NGOs are calling for the development of a global treaty, which would be the first of the kind. A text with binding measures to encourage manufacturers to review their production methods.