A whale that washed up on the coast of Spain had 29kg of plastic debris inside its stomach, researchers have confirmed.
The male sperm whale, which weighed 6 tonnes and measures 10 metres, washed up in late February on the Murcian coast, according to The Independent.
An autopsy at the El Walle Wildlife Rescue centre found plastic bags, nets, ropes, plastic sacks, and a large plastic container inside its stomach and intestines.
Experts believe that the whale's abdomen was inflamed due to a fungal infection, likely due to it being unable to expel the plastic from its intestines.
The inner walls of the whale's abdomen became inflamed due to a bacterial or fungal infection, and experts believe it is a result of the whale being unable to expel the plastic from its system.
Following the whale's death, the local government has launched a campaign to raise awareness against dumping waste in the water.
Newshub.
