Killer whales: the most toxic mammals in the European Arctic ?
WWF says scientific results are showing that Norwegian killer whales are the most toxic mammals in the Arctic.
In fact, a new recent study shows that killer whales have even higher levels of PCBs, pesticides than polar bears.
The results are based on samples taken from killer whales in Tysfjord, a fjord located in arctic Norway. The findings of the research was carried out by the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI).
Killer whales are found throughout arctic Norway, including Svalbard and the Barents Sea, but congregate in the Tysfjord area to feed on spawning herring during the winter. This offers an great opportunity to sample them in an efficient way.
“Killer whales can be regarded as indicators of the health of our marine environment,” said Dr Hans Wolkers, a researcher with NPI.
“The high levels of contaminants are very alarming. They clearly show that the arctic seas are not as clean as they should be, which, in particular, affects animals at the top of the food chain.”
“The toxic contamination of killer whales clearly shows the result of an unsustainable use of chemicals internationally,” added Helen Bjørnøy, the Norwegian Minister of Environment. “This is one of the greatest global environmental threats. The EU ministers now have the possibility to strengthen the chemicals legislation in Europe, and I urge them to use it. It is imperative that the reach regulation becomes a tool to stop using the most dangerous chemicals.”
