Deep-diving whales may confuse plastic for food due to similar acoustic signals.

A Duke University study reveals that deep-diving whales may confuse plastic debris for food due to similar acoustic signatures. Researchers found that all tested plastic items, like balloons and bags, produced sounds akin to prey such as squid. This similarity may lead whales to consume plastic instead of their natural diet. While altering plastics to reduce their acoustic signatures could help, it may also raise the risk of entanglement in invisible fishing gear.

October 16, 2024
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