We all followed the story of the Elizabeth River whale last month. We wondered why it had travelled into our local waterways and tracked its movements wondering where it would be spotted next. Many of us also worried about the health of the whale. Sei whales are not a native of our local waterways or even the Chesapeake Bay and prefer the deep waters of the world’s oceans.
So why was this sei whale, an internationally protected endangered species, swimming around the Elizabeth River? The likely answer is plastic. Upon inspection, experts from the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center found a sharp 3×5 piece of plastic lodged into the whale’s stomach which was empty of food. That small piece of plastic, likely smaller than your hand, may have prevented the whale from eating. If this is the case, the whale probably wandered into the Elizabeth River via the Chesapeake Bay while suffering from malnutrition and confusion.
While this may seem to be a freak accident to some, those of us working in environmental fields know all too well the seriousness of marine debris (aka ocean trash). Litter from land is the primary source of marine debris in the world’s oceans. Rain and wind carry litter into city storm drains or local waterways and the trash accumulates in higher volumes as it collects farther and farther downstream. Marine animals like sea turtles, whales, ospreys and albatrosses (to name a few) may mistake our litter as food or become entangled in it. Plastics are particularly harmful because they are often not digestible and prevent the animal from eating …just like the Elizabeth River sei whale.
So we are asking all of Hampton Roads to help us in the fight against ocean trash – because it’s the right thing to do and it just might save a whale too! Here’s how you can help:
- Participate in the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup from September to October. Clear litter and debris out of roadways, parks and waterways right here in Hampton Roads. For events in Virginia, visit the Virginia Clean Waterways program for details.
- Don’t litter. And yes, cigarette butts are litter too.
- Secure your trash. Keep your trash can lid sealed tight and be mindful of trash that can blow out of your car or truck.
- Cut back on plastics. Ditch disposable plastic items and packaging especially when it is not recyclable.
- Refuse plastics more often. Don’t take plastics just because they are offered for free. Think twice before grabbing plastic bags, disposable cups and disposable plastic straws!
- Share the message with a friend. Help others understand that decisions they make on a daily basis can really make a difference.