Global Chemical Pollution and the Hunting of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises

A briefing to the International Whaling Commission on the impacts of pollution on cetaceans and humans who consume cetacean products.

Cetaceans, particularly toothed cetaceans (many whales and all dolphins and porpoises), are significantly at risk from pollution as they are long-lived and slow breeding animals in the upper levels of the food web.

Cetacean species worldwide carry a variety of contaminants in their tissues, some in extremely high concentrations which have serious associated health risks for the people who consume cetacean products.