Contaminants in cetaceans from UK waters: Status as assessed within the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme from 1990 to 2008

► In harbour porpoises, concentrations of organochlorine pesticides, BDEs and HBCD are declining. ► Concentrations of CBs have plateaued following an earlier decline. ► They are still at toxicologically significant levels. ► This raises concerns for bottlenose dolphins and killer whales, which are more highly contaminated.