A
report presented at the recent International Whaling Commission's
annual meeting revealed the presence of alarmingly high levels of toxic
and heavy metals in sperm whales.
These findings were the result of a
five-year study by US-based research and conservation group, Ocean
Alliance, in which scientists analyzed tissue samples obtained without
harming the whales that are found across the Earth’s oceans, including
in very remote areas.
They found that the whales’ skin tissue
contained levels of the toxic metals cadmium, aluminum, chromium, lead,
silver, mercury and titanium that together were the highest ever found
in marine mammals.
The researchers warned that the health of both
marine life and humans consuming seafood could be at risk, particularly
as the whales’ internal organs are likely much more contaminated.
Moreover, the location of the contaminants in the tissue indicated that
they were picked up while the whales were in polar regions, suggesting
that the harmful metals have spread far from where they were emitted.
Of
even greater concern is the fact that as mother whales pass the toxins
on to babies, the situation becomes devastating for future generations.
American biologist and Ocean Alliance founder Dr. Roger Payne stated,
“The entire ocean life is just loaded with a series of contaminants,
most of which have been released by human beings… I don't see any future
for whale species except extinction. This is not on anybody's radar, no
government's radar anywhere, and I think it should be.”
Dr.
Payne and Ocean Alliance associates, we are grateful for your work,
despite our deep sadness to know of the tragic perils facing the whales.
Let us strive to protect the survival of our precious marine
co-inhabitants by quickly adopting more conscientious lifestyles in
harmony with the environment and all beings on our planet.
During an
April 2009 videoconference in South Korea, Supreme Master Ching Hai, as
on frequent occasions, reminded of the vital need to be better stewards
of our ecosphere to safeguard the welfare of all life on Earth.
Supreme Master Ching Hai:
We should all remember that we share this planetary abode, the water,
the air, the resources, the food, all of nature, we share only. We
should not be possessive of nature.
So, the best thing we can do for
all the animals is to stop causing suffering to them, stop killing
them, stop eating them, stop damaging all our habitats. Stop damaging
our environment.
Be veg, go green and save their planet too, the planet of the animals.
It
restores the balance of our oceans and forests and preserves our finite
natural resources. This is truly the best way to restore our
environment and ensure the highest degree of peace.
Thank you, sir, for your concern. Such a simple solution – being veg - that’s it.
http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/toxic-heavy-metals-threaten-whales/story-e6frfku0-1225884066648http://www.wesh.com/nationalnews/24023874/detail.html
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