Interactions between cetaceans and aquatic debris in Chinese waters: A study based on social media data

Aquatic debris is considered a major threat to cetaceans. China is subject to severe marine plastic waste that may threaten cetaceans. However, the impact of aquatic debris on cetaceans in Chinese waters has remained poorly studied. In this study, social media platforms were used to collect data on potential evidence of interactions between cetaceans and aquatic debris in China. Results indicate that 74.5 % of cases of interaction with aquatic debris involved entanglement while 25.5 % involved ingestion. Estuarine or coastal species seemed more susceptible to such interactions with aquatic debris, which may be linked to the fact that their habitat concentrates much plastic pollution and nearshore artisanal fishing activities. Offshore cetaceans are less likely to be found stranded, their rate of interaction with plastic debris may therefore be underestimated. We recommend that standardized protocols for stranding reports, autopsy methods, and sharing results should be created for a better understanding of the interactions between cetaceans and aquatic debris in China and worldwide. •High rates of interaction with aquatic debris were detected on Chinese cetacean stranding cases.•Aquatic debris represent a threat for Chinese cetaceans.•Coastal species are most susceptible due to intense anthropogenic activities.•Interaction of offshore cetaceans with aquatic debris may be underestimated due to less frequent stranding events.