No plastic in the stomach or intestine of the sperm whale
The sperm whale that died off the coast of Petten, North Holland at the end of June, had no plastic in its gastrointestinal tract. That was the conclusion from researchers from Bureau Waardenburg. During the dissection, inflammation in both lungs was discovered by a team from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University.
The research team from Bureau Waardenburg and Wageningen Marine Research, in collaboration with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, looked into the stomach and intestinal contents of the sperm whale as part of on-going research into diet and plastics. The stomach of the sperm whale turned out to be completely empty. In addition to the fact that no micro (1mm - 5mm) or macro (> 5mm) plastics were found, there were also no prey remains. The intestine was for the most part empty and no micro or macro plastics were found here either. Remains of prey were mainly found in the last part of the intestine. These are currently being further studied with the aim of determining to species. More>
Cetacean surveys throughout European waters
In July 2016, Bureau Waardenburg will participate in a European project (called SCANS III) to survey cetaceans in the North Sea and surrounding waters. Involving three ships and seven aircraft, experienced marine mammal observers will survey waters from Portugal to Norway and Scotland through the month of July. Read more >>
Breeding terns monitored remotely
15 March 2016
This season we are remotely monitoring breeding common terns on artificial breeding islands. Read more >>
20 years of wildlife crossings
25 March 2016
A new report detailing more than 50 studies of over 450 wildlife crossings has recently been made available.