Large amount of garbage found in stomach of dead whale
By Associated Press & KING 5 Staff
Posted on April 19, 2010 at 7:38 PM OLYMPIA, Wash. — Biologists who examined a gray whale that died after stranding on a West Seattle beach say it had a large amount of garbage in its stomach — ranging from a pair of sweat pants to a golf ball. The scientists say most of the whale’s stomach contents was algae — typical of the bottom-feeding mammals. But they say a surprising amount of human debris was found. Besides the pants and golf ball, there were more than 20 plastic bags, small towels, duct tape and surgical gloves. The 37-foot whale stranded last Wednesday. Biologists took a large number of samples, but say the results from the examination won’t be known for weeks or months. Research biologist John Calambokidis says all the debris can at least serve as a reminder of our impact on the Puget Sound. “Even with all our awareness and attempts to improve the Sound, there is still quite a legacy of our past behavior and current behavior that still exists down there on the bottom,” he said.
