Whales have been beaching themselves for many years now, this global phenomenon has turned into one of the biggest marine mysteries. This strange phenomenon occurs among both healthy individuals as well as injured or dead animals that are driven ashore by prevailing winds. Occasionally bigger groups of marine animals will beach themselves together in what become known as mass strandings, other times one area will experience an unusual number of strandings over a short period. Another thing that happens is groups of whales beaching themselves all over the world within a few days. Marine biologists and scientists are trying to figure out why the whales are beaching themselves, one possible explanation they have is that the increase in man-made materials and chemicals might be causing greater pollution in the ocean, which can lead to marine mammals being born deformed, mentally impairing otherwise healthy whales and poisoning or causing death to marine mammals as a result of poisonous chemicals. Another possible reason might include climate change which is affecting marine animals by increasing the ocean’s temperature levels and its acidification, and a reduction in the pH levels of oceans due to the consumption of carbon dioxide. Water pollution is another contributor to the increased rate of whale beachings. When the water gets contaminated with harmful chemical toxins and microplastics, whales can get poisoned from ingesting these toxic substances. It leads to them getting stranded on beaches and suffering from being out of the water for a long time. Pollution and fishing could also be factors in causing the whales to strand themselves. Getting caught in fishing lines is the main cause of death for cetaceans. But these are just a few of the reasons that scientists believe that whales are beaching themselves. Still, the reason remains unknown, the mystery of the whale suicides will remain an unsolved case for what seems to be many years. Remember, be prepared, be aware, be an awareness spreader.
-Kaavya Nanda