Think Green Live Clean

Photo Credit: Lain

Most of us have been warned about the levels of toxic metals that can be found in the fish we eat, like tuna for example.  However, a recent research study performed over a 5-year period by American scientists on 1,000 sperm whales demonstrated a frightening reality.   After studying evidence collected using tissue-sampling darts, shockingly high levels of toxic heavy metals (amongst them lead, titanium, and mercury) were found in the whales that pose a risk to ocean life, along with those of us who are seafood consumers.

The study is not only a reflection of the toxicity present in our oceans, but shows that this sort of pollution has an extensive reach.  Likely carried by ocean currents, it extends from far-off equatorial regions all the way to the polar regions, and contaminates ocean life far beyond just whales.  Roger Payne, president of Ocean Alliance that conducted the research, believes the contaminants are affecting the human food supply.  These types of heavy metals have the potential to contaminate fish, which is currently a primary source of animal protein for 1 billion people.

What’s worse, the pollutants found in the whales today will be passed on to the next generation of whales when the mothers nurse their calves.   This is not an issue that is going away.  While a push for further research by the U.S. Whaling Commission has been urged, the matter needs to be more widely recognized by nations around the world.  The future of our ocean life depends on it.

To find out more about the extent of toxicity levels found in the study, click here.