Cetaceans playing with single-use plastics (SUPs): A widespread interaction with likely severe impacts

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Cetacean Behavior
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Play behavior is documented in wild cetaceans, involving manipulation of natural and artificial objects.
• Interactions between cetaceans and marine debris, particularly plastic litter, are poorly understood despite potential health impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cetacean interactions with plastic litter, focusing on behaviors suggestive of play.
• To synthesize existing knowledge and present new observational data on this topic.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of scientific literature and social media data.
• 12 years of direct observational data on cetacean interactions with plastic litter.

Main Results:

• Eleven odontocete (toothed whale) species were observed interacting with plastic litter in 59 documented events.
• These interactions, involving carrying or throwing litter, occurred globally across major oceans and seas.
• Single-use plastics were the most frequently encountered type of marine debris.

Conclusions:

• Cetacean play behavior involving plastic litter is a widespread phenomenon across various species and locations.
• Although observed interactions may appear benign, the potential for subsequent entanglement or ingestion presents a significant threat to cetacean health.
• Further research is crucial to fully understand the long-term consequences of these interactions on marine mammal populations.