Poison in the Sea of Silence - October 1997

Poison in the Sea of Silence - October 1997

High concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (DDT) were detected in the bodies of killer whales and pilot whales caught in the waters around Japan. More than 400 ppm of PCBs have accumulated in the fatty tissues of killer whales, which far exceeds Western standards. These chemicals that accumulate in the bodies of ocean dwellers are just quietly but surely eroding their lives. According to researchers, reduced reproductive capacity and suppression of immune function have already been observed, endangering the survival of populations.

PCBs were once used in insulating oils and paints for industrial products, but they do not break down easily in the environment and continue to be disposed of improperly. DDT, on the other hand, has been widely used as an agricultural pesticide since the 1950s. Although DDT has already been banned in many countries, it is still used in developing countries and is affecting the Japanese coast through the atmosphere and ocean currents. These poisons are concentrated in the bodies of whales and killer whales through the food chain, and children are born with high levels of chemicals.

The Environment Agency and the Fisheries Agency have launched a large-scale investigation in response to the seriousness of the situation. Legislation is required to identify the source of contamination in specific sea areas and to promote the proper disposal of PCB waste. Cooperation with European and U.S. research institutes is also underway to strengthen the international monitoring system. However, contamination has already penetrated deep into the ocean, and the once clear blue waters are quietly being eroded by an invisible poison.

Sources:.
- Report on PCB/DDT contamination of cetaceans in waters around Japan (Environment Agency, Fisheries Agency)
- Contamination and Effects of Artificial Chemicals on Cetaceans" (ecotoxiwata.jp)
- Marine pollution monitoring data by the International Environment Agency (UNEP)