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

Norwegian researchers were shocked to discover more than 30 plastic bags and various 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, west of 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 large amounts of plastic waste. They said the discovery of plastic bags in the whale's stomach was not too surprising given the increasing amount of waste dumped into the ocean.

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

According to VNE