A whale washed ashore on the Norwegian coast was found with a plastic bag overflowing its stomach.

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

The ailing whale is stranded in shallow waters off Sotra Island. Photo: University of Bergen.

A whale consumed a massive amount of non-biodegradable waste and became stranded in shallow waters off the island of Sotra, western Norway, Norway Today reported yesterday. Coast guard officers were forced to euthanize the animal because it was too weak.

Researchers at the University of Bergen, Norway, analyzed the stomach contents of a whale and found a large amount of plastic waste. They believe that finding plastic bags in whale stomachs is not a surprising finding given the increasing amount of trash dumped into the ocean.

According to Dr. Terje Lislevand, a zoologist on the research team, the whale's intestines were filled with plastic bags printed with Danish and British labels. The plastic waste may have gradually accumulated in its stomach, causing the animal intense pain. It was also emaciated with very little body fat, indicating malnutrition.

Thirty nylon bags were found inside the whale's stomach. Photo: University of Bergen.

This whale belongs to the Cuvier's beaked whale species, which can grow to nearly 7 meters in length and typically feed on squid and deep-sea fish. They are not commonly seen in Norwegian waters.

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

According to VNE