We hunt them, we lock them up and poison them. Researchers have found that the environment could wipe out the PCB poison all Orca populations. Because we dispose of industrial waste properly.
Whales are fascinating animals. Gigantic, smart, and incredibly social. Probably more social than we humans. Because on the one hand, we admire the giants, on the other hand, we can make it to you pretty hard. As they would not have to do the mammal enough already with the commercial hunting to you, we will lock you and poison you.
A study throws a spotlight on the latter threat. Accordingly, all Orca populations are in danger, writes an international team of researchers in the journal “Science”. Blame the environmental toxin PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls). Especially the orcas in the waters in Brazil, Gibraltar and the Canary Islands, as well as in the regions, the UK, Japan and in the northeast Pacific, so the researchers are affected.
The Dirty Dozen
PCB is one of the chlorinated hydrocarbons. It is probably the most famous group of industrial chemicals under the “Dirty dozen”. So twelve well – known and dangerous toxins – including pesticides, industrial chemicals and by-products of combustion processes. They were all by the POPs Convention and the Stockholm Convention of 22. May 2001, a worldwide ban.
PCBS is banned since the 1970s, but in many other countries, the production and use continued in electronic components up to the date of entry into force of the Convention.
Electronic scrap contains often PCB-containing Capacitors or motors
PCBS were popular because they are hard-flammable and chemically stable, a high boiling point, and current does not pass, so ideal for use as insulators. A popular use of the area were, therefore, Capacitors which have been used in a variety of electric devices, but also motors or hydraulic devices. In addition, PCBS were also found in plastic and rubber products, pigments, and even in the copy paper.
Dangerous side effects for humans and animals
PCB trigger different direct symptoms of poisoning, such as hair loss and skin reactions, provided people are exposed to the substance over a longer period of time. Especially PCBS are carcinogenic, cause damage to the nervous system and the reproductive system – and it is precisely the Latter, the researchers have found in the whales.
Actually, in the case of the Orcas – which are actually at the top of the food chain against environmental poisons, however, are not immune. The researchers have found through a investigation of fat tissue. In the case of killer Whales, concentrations were found up to 1300 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. It means that values of 50 milligrams per kilogram, could cause damage to fertility and the immune system of the animals.
The scientists Jean-Pierre Desforges from the Danish University of Aarhus evaluated the PCB-values of 351 Orcas. Especially populations living in the vicinity of industrial areas are charged accordingly. On the basis of the exposure of different stocks, the Team simulated a model of their development for the next 100 years. Results: In ten out of a total of 19 populations studied, the environment threatened to poison the long-lasting Survival.
Orcas are dolphins. There are a total of 40 Dolphin species in the different size and color of the Orca with a length of up to ten meters, is the largest and heaviest among them
Read more: save the whale?
The man makes the poison
An effect of increased PCB-concentrations of a shortage of Junior managers, whether they stress. “In the polluted areas, we can observe a rare newborn Orcas”, is Co-quotes-author-Alisa Hall of the Scottish University of St. Andrews, in a communication.
In the most polluted areas, a collapse of many populations of threatened within the next 30 to 40 years. In other, less contaminated regions in the Arctic and Antarctic was to be expected, however, with a growth of the populations.
However, the researchers emphasize that many other environmental toxins could restore the animals, including organo-phosphate flame retardants, PERFLUORO-alkyl acids (PFAAs), or polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCN). “Everything we produce pollutants, finds its way into the sea,” says Joseph Schnitzler of the University of Veterinary medicine Hannover, who was not involved in the study.
The PCB-production had been set, but in the old machines, the environment might be poison. “If they are not disposed of properly, PCBS continue to enter into the sea,” underlines Schnitzler. More could not be done, in order to protect the marine mammals in front of PCB.
-
Whale Watching by droneFor the science
To learn more about the behavior of whales, use, researchers from the NOAA, the weather and Oceanographic authority of the United States, and, more recently, drones. They allow you a whole new insight into the hunting and family behavior of the giants of the sea. Here’s a whole Clan of Orcas.
-
Whale Watching by droneBird’s-eye view
40 meters with six rotors-equipped drone hovering above the sea. With a high resolution camera. It provides valuable images of the giant mammals. Here are two killer whales cuddle, for example, just playful with each other.
-
Whale Watching by droneBy counting
But not only the study of the behaviors, but also the Monitoring of the Population for the researchers using the drone easier. The number of animals and their physical condition can quickly determine, even in comparison to their congeners, and over a longer period of time.
-
Whale Watching by droneImportant Bacon
Especially in the case of the Walkühen the amount of bacon is important – especially if you are suckling a calf. Because then you need even more reserves in order to create the way up in the Arctic. The very slender gray whales, females on the left side of the one or the other ton of weight may be missing.
-
Whale Watching by droneA research permit is due
The scientists of the NOAA have a special permit to be allowed so close to the Killer, and gray whales ran. For Amateurs, a minimum distance of 300 meters. Not everyone may be as close to the wild animals – where not everyone has a scientific purpose.