Whale experts warn of dire future for the species - 18 Jul 2010  
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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-e6frfku0-1225884066648
http://www.wesh.com/nationalnews/24023874/detail.html