Seabirds pecking polystyrene items in offshore Adriatic Sea waters

Tracing microplastics in environmental sources and migratory shorebirds along the Central Asian Flyway

Microplastic pollution poses a significant threat to coastal ecosystems worldwide. Despite its widespread occurrence, knowledge on the prevalence and fate of microplastics across food webs is limited. To bridge this gap, we conducted an extensive study on microplastic contamination in mudflats, mangroves, and sand beaches being key habitats for wintering shorebirds on the west coast of India. Using a comprehensive multi-matrix approach covering water, sediment, biofilm, plankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, and migratory shorebird droppings, we analysed microplastic contamination across ten coastal sites from 2020 to 2022. Our findings show spatial and temporal variations in microplastics widespread in water and sediments, influenced by human activities. Notably, an increase in microplastics within prey and shorebird droppings coincide with a decline in prey abundance and shorebird populations. The prevalence of fibre-shaped microplastics indicates that common sources include discarded fishing gear and domestic sewage. The types of microplastics ingested by shorebirds varied depending on their feeding strategies, with biofilms serving as significant reservoirs of microplastics, facilitating their transfer to shorebirds. Epibenthic feeders, with a more limited foraging range, displayed the lowest levels of microplastics, while species foraging through multiple sediment layers exhibited higher concentrations. These findings underscore the urgent need for stricter conservation measures to tackle plastic pollution at its source. The study raises concerns about the potential harmful effects of microplastic contamination on the population of migratory shorebirds along the west coast of India. Continued research is crucial to understand the ecological impacts of microplastics on wintering shorebirds and to develop effective conservation strategies.

Distribution and composition of seafloor macrolitter in the trawlable fishing areas along the Algerian coast (Western Mediterranean)

A total of 254 fishing hauls were sampled with a GOC73 bottom trawl during the four demersal resource assessment research cruises, respectively, in 2016, 2019, 2021 and 2022, carried out on board the BELKACEM GRINE research vessel (R/V). We performed the hauls between 22 and 660 m of depth, after which we counted and weighed each piece of marine litter separately to the nearest 0.5 g. The results show that marine litter densities varied between 1350 and 5813 item/km2. Thus, plastic is the most abundant litter, it represents a mean rate of 76 % of the whole marine litter. Among this plastic, 3.8 % was identified as fishing gears or fishing related objects. Therefore, the average loss in catch was estimated at 7 % over the study period. However, the highest density of marine litter was found in the region of Bejaia located in the Center part of the Algerian coast. Moreover, the bathymetric and geographical variability had a significant impact on both density and weight of marine litter. A marine litter monitoring program is necessary for offering a more effective solutions.

The threat of microplastics: Exploring pollution in coastal ecosystems and migratory shorebirds along the west coast of India

To evaluate the exposure risk and ingestion of microplastics by migratory shorebirds, which are regarded as apex predators in the coastal ecosystem, this study investigated the ubiquitous presence of microplastics in estuarine and coastal habitats and their potential to be transferred in the food chains. We analysed the presence of microplastics in water, sediment, major macroinvertebrate prey and the guano samples of ten shorebird species from ten important wintering grounds in the west coast of India. Our results revealed that water is the primary source through which microplastics disseminate into various ecosystem components. Microplastic debris in various forms were reported in all samples analysed, with microfibres being the most abundant form. While polyethylene and polypropylene were found as the major microplastic types in water, sediment, and prey samples, polystyrene was most abundant in guano samples. Microplastic transfer and impacts in this delicate ecosystem demand further investigations.

Assessment of plastic pollution in coastal areas of Karachi: Case study of West Warf, Kemari Jetty, and Manora

This study focused on marine pollution in coastal areas of Karachi, particularly West Warf, Kemari Jetty, and Manora. The research examined the sources and quantities of waste, from boat manufacturing, export units, and local commercial activities. Stakeholder interviews were conducted to understand waste management practices and identify the key contributors to ocean litter. The results indicated that restaurants, export units, boat construction, and tourist and commuter activities were the primary sources of marine pollution. Plastic was found to be the most prevalent litter category, with LDPE (e.g., single-use bags) and polystyrene (e.g., material in floating docks) being the most common types. Additionally, multi-layer packaging, such as chip wrappers, was frequently observed in the surveyed areas. Overall, this research highlights the urgent need for improved waste management and compliance measures in coastal regions to mitigate marine pollution.