Lecture Notes on Blue Whales and Plastic Pollution

Introduction

• The speaker recalls first seeing a blue whale illustration in National Geographic.
• Interest in filming blue whales developed over a 40-year span.
• Dr. Lindsay Porter (cetacean expert) and Ben Fogle (adventurer) are key figures.

Types of Blue Whales

• True Blue Whales vs. Pygmy Blue Whales.
  • Pygmy Blues are slightly smaller (about 25 meters).

Whale Behavior and Characteristics

• Whales can swim underwater at speeds up to 30 km/h and can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes.
• Whales feed by creating a productive front, often gathering krill.
• The experience of spotting whales is described as elusive; they can be hard to track once seen.

Sounds of Marine Life

• Low frequency sounds indicate the presence of whales.
• Dolphins can be identified by high-pitched whistling sounds.

Filming Expeditions

• The team traveled 50 miles off the coast for two weeks to get film footage.
• Describes the majestic appearance of whales as they dive and resurface.
• Recorded what is believed to be the first underwater footage of juvenile pygmy blue whales.

Pollution Issues in Marine Environments

• The Indian Ocean off Sri Lanka was noted to have pristine conditions until pollution was found below the surface.
• The speaker had a disturbing experience diving in polluted waters, encountering plastic waste.
• Brutus whale was found with six square meters of plastic inside it, causing its death.

Statistics on Plastic Waste

• In the last 10 years, more plastic has been produced than in the entire previous century.
• 63 billion gallons of oil are used annually to produce plastic in the U.S., with 38 billion plastic bottles thrown away each year.
• By 2050, plastic production is expected to triple due to population growth, with only a small fraction recycled.

Environmental Impact of Plastics

• Microplastics are increasingly common and affect marine life.
• Seabirds, like shearwaters, are adversely affected by plastic ingestion, leading to high mortality rates.
• Plastic pollution is a global issue, affecting oceans and wildlife regardless of geographic location.

Solutions and Call to Action

• Emphasis on the importance of reducing plastic use and improving recycling practices.
• Examples of countries like Rwanda that have successfully banned plastic bags.
• Highlighted the success of Germany's bottle deposit system to encourage recycling.
• Plastic Bank concept seeks to turn plastic waste into a currency for impoverished communities.

Conclusion

• The health of the oceans is critical for the overall health of the planet.
• Urgency in implementing solutions to combat plastic pollution.
• The importance of educating others about the impact of plastic on marine life and ecosystems.

Reflections

• The speaker expresses a sense of responsibility towards the environment and future generations.
• Acknowledges the challenge of balancing modern conveniences with ecological sustainability.
• Calls for collective action to protect our oceans and wildlife.