Study shows Oregon Coast gray whales consume millions of harmful bits of plastic, clothing

These microparticles and microplastics have been on the rise in the Pacific Ocean in the last several decades, according to the researchers from the Oregon State University Marine Mammal Institute, who published their findings in June in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science.

Leigh Torres and Susanne Brander, associate professors at Oregon State University who worked on the study, said in a news release that these microparticles threaten the health of gray whales as well as their food supply.

“That can lead to stunted growth, smaller body size, lower ability to have calves and animals not using this habitat anymore. All of those are areas of significant concern,” Torres said.

Scientists estimate that several million tons of plastic enter the Pacific Ocean each year through rivers. The plastics break up and end up in fish and other sea creatures and are later ingested by humans, something the researchers said should be a wakeup call.