Marine Wildlife

Wild Marine Mammal Pollution Welfare Impacts

Marine mammal exposure to chemical and plastic pollution causes chronic welfare impacts across multiple species and populations.

Key Facts

Persistent organic pollutants including PCBs accumulate in marine mammal blubber and reduce immune function
Microplastic ingestion has been documented in dolphins, seals, and whales globally
Entanglement in plastic debris causes drowning, injury, and infection in marine mammals
Chemical pollution contributes to mass mortality events and reproductive failure in cetaceans
The welfare impact of pollution is often chronic rather than acute, making it less visible

Welfare Considerations

Pollution represents a pervasive, chronic welfare challenge for marine mammals that is often less dramatic but no less significant than acute threats like entanglement or hunting. Immunosuppression from chemical pollution may extend and intensify suffering from infectious diseases. Addressing marine mammal welfare requires tackling the root causes of plastic and chemical pollution as well as mitigating acute harms.

What You Can Do

Reduce single-use plastic use and support marine plastic cleanup initiatives
Advocate for stronger regulation of persistent organic pollutant discharge
Support marine mammal research organisations working to document and address pollution welfare impacts