Monitoring Ocean Health Through Strandings
Norwegian Orca Survey led the first systematic sampling of stranded marine mammals in Norway, revealing chemical pollution levels, contributing to national monitoring, and supporting ongoing research to protect whales and ocean health.
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are present in Norwegian Arctic waters, even though there are few local sources. Because marine mammals are top predators with thick blubber layers and long lifespans, they accumulate high levels of these chemicals over time. Since 2015, we have been sampling dead stranded marine mammals along the Norwegian coast to use them as indicators of the health of marine ecosystems. POPs can have serious health effects on whales, including weakening the immune system and impairing reproduction. In fact, reproductive toxicity from POPs is considered a leading factor in the decline of whale and dolphin populations across European waters. Yet, until recently, very little was known about pollution levels and effects in Norwegian whales.
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Between 2018 and 2021, a project funded by Klima- og miljødepartementet (Arktisk 2030) focused on measuring chemical pollution in stranded whales in Norway. Sampling tissues from dead cetaceans allows us to quantify contaminant concentrations and perform comprehensive screenings for emerging pollutants, such as unregulated pesticides, new brominated flame retardants,
perfluorinated substances, and chlorinated paraffins. Norwegian Orca Survey coordinated the collection of samples from 10 different species across the country, marking the first systematic sampling of stranded marine mammals in Norway, where no official stranding network or enforced response currently exists. Public participation was invaluable, with volunteers helping collect samples in remote locations. This project was carried out in collaboration with the University of Oslo and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences.
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Our samples have also contributed to other national monitoring efforts, including the Norwegian Environment Agency’s Screening Programme 2023. The findings provide novel baseline knowledge that is now available to Arctic Council working groups and will contribute to international efforts to regulate harmful chemicals under frameworks such the Stockholm Convention. Our efforts to sample continue, supporting further tissue analyses and long-term monitoring of marine contaminants in Norwegian whales.