07/11/2026
A team of scientists recently studied the impact of marine plastic pollution on whale sharks in Indonesia. Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, Indonesia was selected for this study as it takes the infamous second place on the list of world’s largest marine plastics polluters. After studying plastic abundance in 3 locations around the country, the researchers concluded that whale sharks could be eating up to 137 pieces of marine plastic per hour! And this includes both tiny microplastics as well as bigger pieces measuring nearly 19 inches! Although whale sharks do have the ability to “cough” out large objects that accidentally end up in their mouths, judging from necropsies of individuals found on beaches around the world, that mechanism does not always work. As one report from Sabah in Malaysia revealed, a plastic bag measuring 18 inches by 12 inches killed one whale shark there. Who could think that something so small could lead to the death of one of the biggest animals on the planet? So next time you buy a coffee, groceries or get that take-out dinner, remember to avoid single-use plastics and instead opt for more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives.
