FIREFIGHTING chemicals have been detected in an endangered sea lion in South Australia and fur seal pups in Victoria.
The new research – part of a long-term health study of seals and sea lions in Australia – identified the chemicals in animals at multiple colonies in Victoria and South Australia from 2017 to 2020.
As well as in pups, the chemicals (Perand polyfluoroalkyl substances – ‘PFAS’) were detected in juvenile animals and in an adult male.
The researchers believe the seals and sea lions ingested the chemicals through their fish, crustacean, octopus and squid diets.
For more read Friday’s Gippsland Times.
