Dead from swallowing plastic ziphos in Rhodes

The swallowing of plastic garbage is due to the death of a deer, which was washed away on Monday in Rhodes, according to the research center for rescue and care “Arion”.
The bug, 5.3 meters long, was found on Kremasti beach in Rhodes. An autopsy-necropsy and collection of samples from organs and tissues were performed by the veterinarians Mr. P. Margier and Mrs. K. Kakaziani, together with Mrs. P. Louizidou, marine biologist of the Aquarium under the guidance of Prof. A. Komninou.

The first findings support the view that the death of the animal is related to the ingestion of a large amount of plastic, as it was removed from the stomachs of a large mass of plastic waste, weighing about 15 kg. The collected samples were sent to the competent Department of Veterinary Medicine of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki for further laboratory tests.

In the Eastern Mediterranean, especially in Greek territorial waters, wild marine mammal populations are hosted, of which the protected species Ziphius cavirostris, which has been assessed as an “Insufficiently Known” species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) enough information on the species with the exception of a few specific areas where systematic research is carried out. These species face a number of threats to the marine environment, including their direct and indirect competition with fisheries, chemical and noise pollution, their collision with vessels and liners, their pollution by garbage and ghost nets. The zebras dive to great depths (up to 3000 meters) in sea bays and steep ditches where they hunt squid and other deep-sea mollusks and small fish. Their skin color ranges from dark gray to brown-red. It may have two lighter areas around the head and abdomen. The head and back may be completely white in adults. The eyes are surrounded by dark color. Older individuals show more hacks, and circular marks, which may be due to smaller sharks. Males have two teeth that protrude from the lower jaw of their beak.

Plastic waste is now a global problem for marine organisms, which are dangerously affected. A large number of marine vertebrates die from ingestion. The problem is deeply felt in the Mediterranean Sea, which is considered one of the most polluted areas in the world by them. Relevant studies show that plastic waste is very common both on the surface and at the bottom of the sea.

It is not uncommon for zebras to die, as do other cetaceans from ingesting plastics, which has both acute and fatal as well as long-term harmful effects on their health. In this case, the large amount of plastic found in the stomach of the whale did not allow it to be fed, resulting in cachexia and the painful death of the animal.

Marine mammals are the most important organ in the marine ecosystem, where through various mechanisms they maintain the biodiversity of species in their distribution areas, where they have been recorded as “national marine wealth” which we will continue to fight for their protection.

What to do if you see a live or dead cetacean:

In cases where citizens locate live marine mammals in need of first aid they should immediately inform the local port authority and the Research Center for Cetacean Rescue and Care “ARION”. Waiting for the arrival of those in charge, we take care to maintain the calm of the animal by removing the people and any nuisance or strong lighting that can cause stress and in any case we follow the instructions that will be given to us.

In cases where citizens find dead boiled animals, they report their observation to the local port authority, so that the necessary actions can be taken and the necessary information can be obtained.

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