Skip to content
All news
  • All news
  • About whales & dolphins
  • Corporates
  • Create healthy seas
  • End captivity
  • Green Whale
  • Prevent deaths in nets
  • Scottish Dolphin Centre
  • Stop whaling
  • Stranding
  • Whale watching
Bottlenose dolphins breaching

Landmark report reveals UK wildlife’s devastating decline

With whales and dolphins already facing many threats, a landmark report released this week reveals...
Dolphins with oil rig

Go ahead for new UK oil and gas exploration threatens whales and dolphins

Permission has been granted for the development of the UK's biggest untapped oilfield off Shetland,...
Icelandic hunting vessels in port

Whaling boat kept in port after more hunt cruelty exposed

Icelandic whale hunting fleet One of the whaling boats involved in the latest hunts in...
Commerson's dolphin

New Important Marine Mammal Areas added to global ocean conservation list

Commerson's dolphin Experts from a number of countries have mapped out a new set of...

Nature may have the answer to plastic pollution

Scientists working on solutions to the growing problem of plastic pollution are now focusing attention on a potential breakthrough supplied by Mother Nature.

A study by researchers at Utrecht University reveals that several species of mushrooms will break down and ‘eat’ plastic, sometimes in a matter of weeks.

Some, such as the oyster mushroom, are also edible but further research is still needed to determine if it would be safe to consume the mushroom and so complete the plastic recycling process.

If the fungi are found to be safe to eat then the benefits could be more wide ranging and may even help with the issue of world hunger.

If not, then the mushrooms could be composted or even used in the construction industry or in the production of biofuels.

Single use plastics (drinks bottles, coffee cups, and food packaging) never biodegrades. Much of it ends up in the ocean where it poses a serious risk to the lives of whales and dolphins, with over 50% of all species having been observed eating plastic waste that they have mistaken for food.

WDC recently launched an online initiative to increase urban beach cleans –local area litter picks  that reduce the huge amount of plastic that makes its way from our urban areas to the coastline.

[shariff]

Related News

Pilot whale

How we need to support Faroese communities to end the whale and dolphin hunts

Hayley Flanagan Hayley is WDC's engagement officer, specializing in creating brilliant content for our website and publications. VIEW ALL HAYLEY'S BLOGS Visit author's linkedin profile...
Bottlenose dolphins breaching

Landmark report reveals UK wildlife’s devastating decline

With whales and dolphins already facing many threats, a landmark report released this week reveals the true extent of UK wildlife's devastating decline. The world-leading...
Dolphins with oil rig

Go ahead for new UK oil and gas exploration threatens whales and dolphins

Permission has been granted for the development of the UK's biggest untapped oilfield off Shetland, a decision which will exacerbate the climate crisis and result...
Hope the inflatable whale

Meet a whale called Hope

Kidzone - quick links Fun Facts Curious kids Blogs Fantastic fundraisers Gallery Splish and Splash Puzzles Hope is WDC's brand new life-sized inflatable humpback whale....

Leave a Comment