Plastic bag full of whale's stomach washed ashore in Norway

Norwegian researchers were shocked to find more than 30 plastic bags and other types of plastic waste in the stomach of a stranded whale.

A sick whale stranded in shallow waters off the island of Sotra. Photo: University of Bergen.

The whale consumed a huge amount of non-biodegradable waste and became stranded in shallow waters off the island of Sotra, western Norway, Norway Today reported yesterday. Coastguards were forced to kill the animal because it was so sick.

Researchers at the University of Bergen, Norway, analyzed the whale's stomach and found a large amount of plastic waste. They said finding plastic bags in the whale's stomach was not a surprising discovery given the increasing amount of waste dumped into the ocean.

According to Dr. Terje Lislevand, a zoologist on the research team, the whale’s intestines were full of plastic bags with Danish and British labels. Plastic waste could have accumulated in the whale’s stomach, causing the animal severe pain. It was also emaciated with very little body fat, indicating malnutrition.

30 plastic bags found in the whale's stomach. Photo: University of Bergen.

The whale was a Cuvier's beaked whale, which can grow up to nearly 7 metres long and feeds on squid and deep-sea fish. They are not commonly seen in Norwegian waters.

Experts estimate that there are 5 trillion pieces of plastic waste in the world's oceans, killing countless animals every year. It is estimated that by 2050, there will be more trash in the sea than fish.

According to VNE