Home > Explore News > Dolphin, Whale Blubber Harbors Chemicals : Discovery News

Dolphin, Whale Blubber Harbors Chemicals : Discovery News

Published on: 05/20/2011

Toxic chemicals are accumulating in the bodies of dolphins and whales, according to two new studies, and concentrations tend to be highest in the most populated and developed areas.

The findings are not necessarily surprising. Scientists have known for years that the blubber of marine predators harbors pollutants. Still, the new studies offer the most extensive evidence yet that dolphins and whales can be sentinels for environmental contamination. By documenting levels of chemicals in blubber, scientists can now start to gauge the effects of those chemicals on the animals' health and behavior.

via Dolphin, Whale Blubber Harbors Chemicals : Discovery News (Discovery News deleted this article from their archive).

Explore Similar News

About NCCOS

NCCOS delivers ecosystem science solutions for stewardship of the nation’s ocean and coastal resources to sustain thriving coastal communities and economies.

Stay Connected

Sign up for our quarterly newsletter or view our archives.

NCCOS Multimedia

Visit our new NCCOS Multimedia Gallery. 

Follow us on Social

Listen to our Podcast

Check out our new podcast "Coastal Conversations"