Sunburned Whales

11/10/10 10:53 AM

 Associated Press

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40108686/ns/world_news-world_environment/

Whales off the Mexican coast seem to be suffering from harsh sunburn – believed to be caused by the gaps in the ozone layer that are unable to block UV-rays. So far, none of it developed into cancer.

This time of season the whales are more vulnerable, having to spend more time at the surface, but because they lack any kind of fur or leather as well as the ability to put on sunscreen and sunglasses, they are completely unprotected from the UV radiation. Just like humans, the whale’s skin tone affects the way they react. Blue whales are more affected than the fin whales, even though they spent less time at the surface. The ozone layer got thinner and thinner because of CFC’s (chemicals “eating” it away.) Not only it endangers whales, but in endangers whale species already endangered.

We just wrote an essay on an environmental issue. And yes, I knew we had problems with the ozone layer but I never thought it would get to something as ridiculous as whales getting sunburned. I have never heard of a sea animal getting sunburned; just imagine how much worse it can get. Not only it might contribute to making a Blue Whale extinct but what if this is happening to other, smaller animals, but we just haven’t realized because of their size.

The article was easy to understand and the data is most definitely valid, from a trusted website with scientist and people with studies in the domain contributing. I knew we probably created this issue just from hearing the title; however, I am deeply shocked that whales are actually able to get sunburned. In a way I realized they are a lot like us, how we are affected differently depending on some facts. But at least humans can solve this. We can hide under an umbrella or use sunscreen. And if we get skin cancer, we can do things to try to survive it. You can’t catch a whale and give it pills; it’s not even their fault this is happening.