1
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Lavers JL, Bond AL. Beyond the surface: Seabirds and plastics as indicators in a large, remote marine protected area. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116574. [PMID: 38857556 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are an important conservation tool for species and habitats; however, they are not a panacea solution. For example, MPAs provide little protection from plastic pollution which travels vast distances on ocean currents. Here we document exposure of juvenile Christmas Shearwaters (Puffinus nativitatis) to plastics on uninhabited Ducie Atoll in the remote South Pacific. Despite being surrounded by the very large Pitcairn Islands MPA, most birds (68.7 %; n = 16) contained 3.8 ± 4.1 pieces of ingested plastic. Unexpectedly, the number, mass and frequency of occurrence of plastic in two age classes (young downy chicks and fledglings) was similar. While the reason for this is unknown, it may suggest birds do not acquire new plastic items, or are able to rid themselves of plastics, beyond a certain age. We discuss the potential health consequences of plastic ingestion in Christmas Shearwaters and call for further research of this poorly studied species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Lavers
- Bird Group, Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6AP, United Kingdom; Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, 11a Shelden Road, Esperance, Western Australia 6450, Australia.
| | - Alexander L Bond
- Bird Group, Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6AP, United Kingdom
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2
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Rynek R, Tekman MB, Rummel C, Bergmann M, Wagner S, Jahnke A, Reemtsma T. Hotspots of Floating Plastic Particles across the North Pacific Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:4302-4313. [PMID: 38394333 PMCID: PMC10919090 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The pollution of the marine environment with plastic debris is expected to increase, where ocean currents and winds cause their accumulation in convergence zones like the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (NPSG). Surface-floating plastic (>330 μm) was collected in the North Pacific Ocean between Vancouver (Canada) and Singapore using a neuston catamaran and identified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Baseline concentrations of 41,600-102,700 items km-2 were found, dominated by polyethylene and polypropylene. Higher concentrations (factors 4-10) of plastic items occurred not only in the NPSG (452,800 items km-2) but also in a second area, the Papaha̅naumokua̅kea Marine National Monument (PMNM, 285,200 items km-2). This second maximum was neither reported previously nor predicted by the applied ocean current model. Visual observations of floating debris (>5 cm; 8-2565 items km-2 and 34-4941 items km-2 including smaller "white bits") yielded similar patterns of baseline pollution (34-3265 items km-2) and elevated concentrations of plastic debris in the NPSG (67-4941 items km-2) and the PMNM (295-3748 items km-2). These findings suggest that ocean currents are not the only factor provoking plastic debris accumulation in the ocean. Visual observations may be useful to increase our knowledge of large-scale (micro)plastic pollution in the global oceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robby Rynek
- Department
of Analytical Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre
for Environmental Research − UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mine B. Tekman
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut,
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
- Department
of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Ozyegin University, 34794 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Christoph Rummel
- Department
of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, Helmholtz-Centre
for Environmental Research − UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Melanie Bergmann
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut,
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Stephan Wagner
- Department
of Analytical Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre
for Environmental Research − UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Annika Jahnke
- Department
of Exposure Science, Helmholtz-Centre for
Environmental Research − UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute
for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen
University, 52047 Aachen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Reemtsma
- Department
of Analytical Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre
for Environmental Research − UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Institute
of Analytical Chemistry, University of Leipzig, Linnéstrasse 3, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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3
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Murphy EL, Gerber LR, Rochman CM, Polidoro B. A macroplastic vulnerability index for marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles in Hawai'i. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168247. [PMID: 37918749 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is having devastating consequences for marine organisms across the planet. However, the population level effects of macroplastic pollution remain difficult and costly to quantify. As a result, there is a need for alternative approaches to evaluate species risk to plastic pollution and inform management needs. We apply a trait-based framework for macroplastic pollution to develop a relative vulnerability index-informed by three dimensions: likelihood of exposure, species' sensitivity, and population resilience-for marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles found in Hawai'i. This index ranks 63 study species based on their population level vulnerability to macroplastic pollution, with the highest scoring species being the most vulnerable. Our results indicate that ducks, waders, and noddies with large populations were the least vulnerable to macroplastics, while the most vulnerable were the Hawaiian monk seal, sea turtles, baleen whales, and some albatross and petrel species. This index can inform species in need of population monitoring in Hawai'i, and direct other management priorities (e.g., locations for clean-ups or booms). More broadly, this work exemplifies the value of qualitative risk assessment approaches for better understanding the population level effects of macroplastic pollution and showcases how vulnerability indices can be used to inform management priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Murphy
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe Campus, Life Sciences Center A Wing 451 E Tyler Mall, Room 209, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States of America; Center for Biodiversity Outcomes, Arizona State University, Tempe Camus, Life Sciences Center A Wing 451 E Tyler Mall, Room 351, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States of America; Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Wilcocks St, Earth Sciences, Room 3054, Toronto, ON M5S3B2, Canada.
| | - Leah R Gerber
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe Campus, Life Sciences Center A Wing 451 E Tyler Mall, Room 209, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States of America; Center for Biodiversity Outcomes, Arizona State University, Tempe Camus, Life Sciences Center A Wing 451 E Tyler Mall, Room 351, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States of America
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Wilcocks St, Earth Sciences, Room 3054, Toronto, ON M5S3B2, Canada
| | - Beth Polidoro
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe Campus, Life Sciences Center A Wing 451 E Tyler Mall, Room 209, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States of America; Center for Biodiversity Outcomes, Arizona State University, Tempe Camus, Life Sciences Center A Wing 451 E Tyler Mall, Room 351, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States of America; School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, West Campus, PO Box 37100, Phoenix, AZ 85069-2352, United States of America
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4
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Matos DM, Ramos JA, Bessa F, Silva V, Rodrigues I, Antunes S, Dos Santos I, Coentro J, Brandão ALC, Batista de Carvalho LAE, Marques MPM, Santos S, Paiva VH. Anthropogenic debris ingestion in a tropical seabird community: Insights from taxonomy and foraging distribution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 898:165437. [PMID: 37437636 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Oceans have been considered as an unlimited supply of goods and services, but resource extraction and waste disposal became ubiquitous and have been damaging the health of marine ecosystems. Finding suitable sentinel species of the human impacts on the oceans is thus imperative, since they may work as early warnings of disruptive situations. In this study, we investigated how taxonomy and foraging distribution influenced the occurrence of anthropogenic debris among five seabird species inhabiting the tropical Atlantic region. Occurrence of anthropogenic debris was assessed using faeces of breeding individuals as a proxy of ingestion. A total of 268 particles were extracted from all samples. The categories "fragments" and "fibres", as well as the colour "blue", were the most prevalent characteristics across species. There was a high diversity of polymers from cellulosic particles to synthetic plastics (Anthropogenic Cellulosic 26.9 %; Polyester 7.7 %; Varnish 5.8 %; Polypropylene 1.9 %). Species with a more coastal foraging strategy exhibited higher occurrence and number of anthropogenic debris when compared to species foraging comparably more in pelagic areas. This suggests that anthropogenic debris are more prevalent in coastal foraging areas, where human activities occur in higher number and frequency (e.g., fisheries) and sources of freshwater input from inland are at close distance. These results provide more evidence to the growing perception on the ubiquity and diversity of anthropogenic debris in the marine environment, and further support the usefulness of using seabirds as bio-indicators of anthropogenic pollution in both neritic and oceanic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Matos
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - J A Ramos
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Filipa Bessa
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vítor Silva
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Rodrigues
- Biosfera Cabo Verde, Sul do Cemitério, Rua 5 - Caixa Postal 233, São Vicente, Cabo Verde
| | - Stefan Antunes
- Biosfera Cabo Verde, Sul do Cemitério, Rua 5 - Caixa Postal 233, São Vicente, Cabo Verde
| | - I Dos Santos
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Coentro
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A L C Brandão
- University of Coimbra, Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - L A E Batista de Carvalho
- University of Coimbra, Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M P M Marques
- University of Coimbra, Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sara Santos
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - V H Paiva
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
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5
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Currie JJ, Sullivan FA, Beato E, Machernis AF, Olson GL, Stack SH. The impact of the anthropause caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on beach debris accumulation in Maui, Hawai'i. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17729. [PMID: 37853032 PMCID: PMC10584821 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44944-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions led to a considerable reduction in tourism and human activity on Maui, presenting a unique opportunity to study debris accumulation on local beaches during changing levels of human activities. Standardized daily debris accumulation surveys were completed at two beach sites in Maui, Hawai 'i before (2017) as well as throughout the initial year of the pandemic (2020-2021) and allowed for the assessment of pandemic-related restrictions on marine debris accumulation trends. Throughout the pandemic, reduced beach use due to higher lockdown levels had significant impacts on debris accumulation at both sites, but only one of the two sites experienced a significant decrease (~ 90% reduction) in debris accumulation rates when compared to the same months in 2017. Daily accumulation rates across two sites increased from an average of 16 items/100 m during peak lockdown levels to 43 items/100 m when restrictions eased. The observed fluctuations in debris accumulation rates, driven by changes in tourism and travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic emphasize the importance of proactive measures to protect the natural environment, including source reduction and effective legislation for waste prevention. By addressing both local and remote sources of debris and focusing on reducing waste at its source, it is possible to mitigate the impacts of debris accumulation on coastal environments and marine life in Hawai'i.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Stephanie H Stack
- Pacific Whale Foundation, Wailuku, HI, 96793, USA
- Pacific Whale Foundation Australia, Urangan, QLD, 4655, Australia
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6
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Kim M, Hong MJ, Nam KB, Kim YM, Park CU, Kwon Y. Marine debris ingestion by adults and fledglings of Swinhoe's storm petrels in the Republic of Korea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115330. [PMID: 37506494 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Procellariiformes are highly vulnerable to marine plastic pollution due to their species-specific life histories. In particular, storm petrels are known to be one of the most vulnerable species with respect to plastic ingestion. In this study, we examined the plastic ingestion by adults and fledglings of Swinhoe's storm petrels on Chilbal Island, one of the largest breeding colonies for this species. During 2013 and 2014, we collected adult and fledgling carcasses and analyzed their stomach contents. The results showed that both adults and juveniles were consuming mostly plastics. Most of the collected Swhinhoe's storm petrels were consuming microplastic, with juveniles consuming a higher average amount of plastic than adults. The type of plastic ingested was more threadlike in adults and fragments in juveniles. In conclusion, the characteristics of ingested plastics differed between adults and juveniles, suggesting that analyzing individual age may be important for monitoring plastic ingestion in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miran Kim
- Seabirds Lab. of Korea, Wonju-si, Gangwon Self-Governing Province 26352, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Jin Hong
- Seabirds Lab. of Korea, Wonju-si, Gangwon Self-Governing Province 26352, Republic of Korea; Korea Institute of Ornithology & Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Baek Nam
- Korea Institute of Ornithology & Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yang-Mo Kim
- Korea National Park Research Institute, Korea National Park Service, Wonju-si, Gangwon Self-Governing Province 26411, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Uk Park
- Faculty of Science Education, Jeju National University, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province 63243, Republic of Korea; World Heritage Division, Shinan County Office, Shinan-gun, Jeollanamdo 58827, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngsoo Kwon
- Korea National Park Research Institute, Korea National Park Service, Wonju-si, Gangwon Self-Governing Province 26411, Republic of Korea
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7
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Nono Almeida F, Leray C, Boutry J, Ter Halle A, Vittecoq M, Provencher JF, McCoy KD. Changes in plastic ingestion by yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) over the breeding season. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114483. [PMID: 36608475 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Gulls can be particularly vulnerable to ingesting plastics when using anthropogenic food sources, with potential consequences for survival and reproductive success. Although birds are known to switch foraging habitats over the breeding season to provide higher quality food for chick provisioning, it is unclear what this means regarding the ingestion of plastics. Here, we tested whether breeding gulls decrease the amount of plastic ingested during reproduction by collecting pellets from a series of monitored nests at a large yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) colony in southern France. We found at least one plastic item in 83.9 % of the analyzed pellets, with the most abundant plastic type being polyethylene-based sheet plastic. As predicted, we found a slight decrease in the number of plastic items in pellets at chick hatching. These results suggest that gulls, like other birds, may adjust foraging habits to provide more digestible, less risky, food to chicks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carole Leray
- Tour du Valat, Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands, Arles, France
| | - Justine Boutry
- MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier CNRS IRD, Centre IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Alexandra Ter Halle
- IMRCP, UMR 5623 CNRS University of Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Marion Vittecoq
- Tour du Valat, Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands, Arles, France
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Karen D McCoy
- MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier CNRS IRD, Centre IRD, Montpellier, France
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8
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Savoca MS, Kühn S, Sun C, Avery-Gomm S, Choy CA, Dudas S, Hong SH, Hyrenbach KD, Li TH, Ng CKY, Provencher JF, Lynch JM. Towards a North Pacific Ocean long-term monitoring program for plastic pollution: A review and recommendations for plastic ingestion bioindicators. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 310:119861. [PMID: 35940480 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris is now a ubiquitous component of the Anthropocene global ocean. Plastic ingestion by marine wildlife was first reported in the 1960s and since that time, roughly one thousand marine species have been reported to consume this debris. This study focuses on plastic ingestion by marine invertebrates and vertebrates in the North Pacific Ocean. Specifically, we reviewed the scientific literature to assess the scope of the problem, identified key bioindicator species, and proposed guidelines for future monitoring of plastic debris in North Pacific marine ecosystems. Our meta-analysis confirmed that the North Pacific is among the most polluted ocean regions globally; roughly half of all fish and seabird specimens and more than three-quarters of sea turtles and bivalve specimens examined in this region had consumed plastic. While there are not enough standardized data to assess if these ingestion rates are changing, sampling standardization and reporting of methods are improving over time. Using a rubric-evaluation approach, we evaluated 352 species for their potential to serve as bioindicators of the prevalence of plastic pollution in the North Pacific. This analysis revealed a suite of 12 bioindicator species candidates which sample a variety of ecosystem components and cover a wide range of plastic size classes. Thus, we contend that these bioindicator candidates provide a key foundation for developing a comprehensive plastic monitoring program in the region. To enhance the utility of these bioindicators, we developed a framework for standardized data collection to minimize methodological variability across different studies and to facilitate the assessment of temporal trends over space and time. Tracking plastic ingestion by these bioindicators will help to assess the effectiveness of mitigation actions in the region, a critical step to evaluate progress towards sustainability and improved ocean health in the 21st century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Savoca
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, USA.
| | - Susanne Kühn
- Wageningen Marine Research, Ankerpark 27, 1781 AG Den Helder, the Netherlands
| | - ChengJun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-environmental Science and Technology, Marine Bioresource and Environment Research Center, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Qingdao, 266061, China
| | - Stephanie Avery-Gomm
- National Wildlife Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - C Anela Choy
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sarah Dudas
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo, BC, Canada; University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Sang Hee Hong
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, Republic of Korea
| | - K David Hyrenbach
- Hawai'i Pacific University, Center for Marine Debris Research, Waimānalo, HI, USA
| | - Tsung-Hsien Li
- National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Checheng, Pingtung, 94450, Taiwan; Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Institute of Marine Ecology and Conservation, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Connie Ka-Yan Ng
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- National Wildlife Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer M Lynch
- Hawai'i Pacific University, Center for Marine Debris Research, Waimānalo, HI, USA; National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Waimānalo, HI, USA
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9
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Hoare V, Atchison Balmond N, Hays GC, Jones R, Koldewey H, Laloë JO, Levy E, Llewellyn F, Morrall H, Esteban N. Spatial variation of plastic debris on important turtle nesting beaches of the remote Chagos Archipelago, Indian Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113868. [PMID: 35835050 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We report Anthropogenic Marine Debris (AMD) in Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, globally amongst the most isolated island groups. AMD on 14 island beaches in five atolls were surveyed in 2019 using two techniques: Marine Debris Tracker (MDT) along littoral vegetation and photoquadrats in open beach. Over 60 % of AMD in both beach zones was composed of plastics, especially bottles and fragments (mean = 44.9 %, 27.2 %, range = 16.5-73.2 %, 4.8-55.9 % respectively in vegetation; mean = 28.7 %, 31.5 %, range = 17.7-40.7 %, 11.6-60.0 % respectively in open beach). The density of plastic debris in littoral vegetation (MDT data: 1995 bottles, 3328 fragments per 100 m2) was 10-fold greater than in open beach (photoquadrat data: 184 bottles, 106 fragments per 100 m2). Significant latitudinal variation in vegetation AMD occurred (8-fold greater in southern atolls, p = 0.006). AMD varied within island zones: most debris observed on oceanside beaches (oceanside vs lagoon, W = 365, p < 0.001; ocean vs island tip, W = 107, p = 0.034). Standardisation of surveys using the open-source MDT App is recommended. Debris accumulation hotspots overlapped with sea turtle nesting habitat, guiding future beach clean-up prioritisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Hoare
- Swansea University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK; Imperial College London, Centre for Environmental Policy, London SW7 1NE, UK
| | - N Atchison Balmond
- British Indian Ocean Territory, King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AH, UK
| | - G C Hays
- Deakin University, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - R Jones
- Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - H Koldewey
- Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY, UK; Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - J-O Laloë
- Deakin University, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - E Levy
- Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - F Llewellyn
- Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - H Morrall
- Natural England, Foss House, Kings Pool, 1-2 Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PX, UK
| | - N Esteban
- Swansea University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK.
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10
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Ghaffar I, Rashid M, Akmal M, Hussain A. Plastics in the environment as potential threat to life: an overview. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:56928-56947. [PMID: 35713833 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21542-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have become inevitable for human beings in their daily life. Million tons of plastic waste is entering in oceans, soil, freshwater, and sediments. Invasion of plastics in different ecosystems is causing severe problems to inhabitants. Wild animals such as seabirds, fishes, crustaceans, and other invertebrates are mostly effected by plastic entanglements and organic pollutants absorbed and carried by plastics/microplastics. Plastics can also be potentially harmful to human beings and other mammals. Keeping in view the possible harms of plastics, some mitigation strategies must be adopted which may include the use of bioplastics and some natural polymers such as squid-ring teeth protein. This review focuses on the possible sources of intrusion and fate of plastics in different ecosystems, their potential deleterious effects on wildlife, and the measures that can be taken to minimize and avoid the plastic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imania Ghaffar
- Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Rashid
- Faculty of Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Akmal
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ali Hussain
- Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
- Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
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11
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Caldwell A, Brander S, Wiedenmann J, Clucas G, Craig E. Incidence of microplastic fiber ingestion by Common Terns (Sterna hirundo) and Roseate Terns (S. dougallii) breeding in the Northwestern Atlantic. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 177:113560. [PMID: 35314396 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ingestion of microplastics has been documented across marine species, but exposure remains sparsely described in many seabird species. We assess microplastic (between 0.2 and 5.0 mm) ingestion in two Northwestern Atantic - breeding species for which exposure to microplastics is entirely or largely undescribed: Common Terns (Sterna hirundo) and Roseate Terns (S. dougallii). Common Tern microplastic load did not vary between life stages (p = 0.590); microplastic load did differ in Common Tern adults breeding at two of three colonies explored (p = 0.002), with no other regional differences observed. Roseate Terns ingested significantly more microplastics than Common Terns (p = 0.007). Our results show that microplastic ingestion by terns varies regionally and interspecifically, but not by life stage, trends potentially explained by dietary differences. We provide the first quantification of microplastic fiber ingestion by terns in the Northwestern Atlantic and identify trophic dynamics related to microplastic ingestion, representing an important step toward understanding the risk of the pollutant to terns across regions, as well as toward the use of terns as potential bioindicators of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliya Caldwell
- University of New Hampshire, 38 Academic Way, Durham, NH, United States of America.
| | - Susanne Brander
- Oregon State University, 2820 SW Campus Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States of America.
| | - John Wiedenmann
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick, 14 College Farm Rd., New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Gemma Clucas
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY, United States of America.
| | - Elizabeth Craig
- Shoals Marine Laboratory, 8 College Rd., Durham, NH, United States of America.
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12
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Hiemstra AF, Gravendeel B, Schilthuizen M. Birds using artificial plants as nesting material. BEHAVIOUR 2021. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-bja10115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Here we present the first cases of birds using artificial plants as nest material. We report our findings for the common coot (Fulica atra) from Leiden, the Netherlands, in 2019. This is the first population of freshwater birds studied for its use of anthropogenic nest materials, and together with another report from the same year, the earliest case of an entire bird population with plastic in all nests. We also report the first artificial plants used as nesting material by birds, and discuss the implications of their usage as such.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auke-Florian Hiemstra
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
- RIBES Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- IBL Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
- De Grachtwacht, Lange mare 25, 2312 GP Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Gravendeel
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
- RIBES Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Menno Schilthuizen
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
- IBL Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
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13
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Mapping marine debris encountered by albatrosses tracked over oceanic waters. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10944. [PMID: 34035426 PMCID: PMC8149674 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90417-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic marine debris is a threat to marine organisms. Understanding how this debris spatially distributes at sea and may become associated with marine wildlife are key steps to tackle this current issue. Using bird-borne GPS- and video-loggers on 13 black-footed albatrosses Phoebastria nigripes breeding in Torishima, Japan, we examined the distribution of large floating debris in the Kuroshio Current area, western North Pacific. A total of 16 floating debris, including styrofoam (n = 4), plastic pieces (n = 3), plastic sheet (n = 1), fishery-related items (rope or netting, n = 4), and unidentified debris (n = 4), were recorded across the 9003 km covered by nine birds. The debris was concentrated in the southern area of the Kuroshio Current, where the surface current was weak, and the albatrosses were foraging. The albatrosses displayed changes in flight direction towards the debris when at a mean distance of 4.9 km, similarly to when approaching prey, and one bird was observed pecking at a plastic sheet; indicating that albatrosses actively interacted with the debris. This paper shows the usefulness of studying wide-ranging marine predators through the use of combined biologging tools, and highlights areas with increased risk of debris exposure and behavioral responses to debris items.
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14
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Bourdages MPT, Provencher JF, Baak JE, Mallory ML, Vermaire JC. Breeding seabirds as vectors of microplastics from sea to land: Evidence from colonies in Arctic Canada. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 764:142808. [PMID: 33082039 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The presence and persistence of microplastics in the environment is increasingly recognized, however, how they are distributed throughout environmental systems requires further understanding. Seabirds have been identified as vectors of chemical contaminants from marine to terrestrial environments, and studies have recently identified seabirds as possible vectors of plastic pollution in the marine environment. However, their role in the distribution of microplastic pollution in the Arctic has yet to be explored. We examined two species of seabirds known to ingest plastics: northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis; n = 27) and thick-billed murres (Uria lomvia; n = 30) as potential vectors for the transport of microplastics in and around breeding colonies. Our results indicated anthropogenic particles in the faecal precursors of both species. Twenty-four anthropogenic particles were found in the fulmar faecal precursor samples (M = 0.89, SD = 1.09; 23 fibres and one fragment), and 10 anthropogenic particles were found in the murre faecal precursor samples (M = 0.33, SD = 0.92; 5 fibres, 4 fragments, and one foam). Through the use of bird population surveys and the quantification of anthropogenic particles found in the faecal precursors of sampled seabirds from the same colony, we estimate that fulmars and murres may deposit between 3.3 (CIboot 1.9 × 106-4.9 × 106) and 45.5 (CIboot 9.1 × 106-91.9 × 106) million anthropogenic particles, respectively, per year into the environment during their breeding period at these colonies. These estimates indicate that migratory seabirds could be contributing to the distribution and local hotspots of microplastics in Arctic environments, however, they are still likely a relatively small source of plastic pollution in terms of mass in the environment and may not contribute as much as other reported sources such as atmospheric deposition in the Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelaine P T Bourdages
- Carleton University, Geography and Environmental Studies, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Julia E Baak
- Acadia University, Biology Department, 15 University Drive, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Acadia University, Biology Department, 15 University Drive, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Jesse C Vermaire
- Carleton University, Geography and Environmental Studies, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada; Carleton University, Institute for Environmental and Interdisciplinary Sciences, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
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15
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Hyrenbach KD, McGinnis Z, Page K, Rapp D, Horgen FD, Lynch JM. Assessment of plastic ingestion by pole-caught pelagic predatory fish from O'ahu, Hawai'i. AQUATIC CONSERVATION : MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS 2021; 31:408-419. [PMID: 34334992 PMCID: PMC8323999 DOI: 10.1002/aqc.3507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Although the frequency of occurrence of plastic ingestion in the large-sized dolphinfish and tunas taken by the Hawai'i longline fishery is very low (frequency of occurrence < 5% of sampled individuals), the ingestion of plastic in smaller-sized specimens caught with pole-and-line gear by commercial and recreational fishers has not been investigated.This study examined ingestion of >0.25 mm marine plastic debris (MPD) by four predatory fish species caught by commercial fishers around the Main Hawaiian Islands, and documented ingestion in three species: 85.7% of albacore tuna (n = 7), 40.0% of skipjack tuna (n = 10) and 12.5% of dolphinfish (n = 8).Yellowfin tuna (n = 10) did not contain any MPD, probably owing to the high proportion of empty stomachs (60%).For skipjack tuna, the frequency of occurrence of MPD ingestion was significantly higher for the smaller-sized specimens caught with pole-and-line (40%), compared with the larger-sized specimens caught with longlines (0%).For dolphinfish, the frequency of occurrence of MPD ingestion was similar for the similar-sized specimens caught with pole-and-line and with longlines.The ingested MPD items were micro-meso plastics, between 1 and 25 mm. While most ingested items were fragments, albacore also ingested line and skipjack also ingested sheets.The predatory fishes ingested light MPD items that float in sea water, but there were species-specific differences in their polymer composition: albacore contained more polypropylene and polyethylene, and skipjack contained more elastomers, characterized by a high percentage of ester plasticizers.Altogether, these results suggest that albacore and skipjack tunas ingest plastic of different types and polymers. Yet more research is needed to understand how differences in vertical distribution, foraging ecology and diet influence the MPD sampled by these predatory fish species.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. David Hyrenbach
- Center for Marine Debris Research, Hawai’i Pacific University, Waimanalo, HI, USA
| | - Zora McGinnis
- College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawai’i Pacific University, Kaneohe, HI, USA
| | - Kathleen Page
- College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawai’i Pacific University, Kaneohe, HI, USA
- Oikonos - Ecosystem Knowledge, Kailua, HI, USA
| | - Dan Rapp
- College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawai’i Pacific University, Kaneohe, HI, USA
- Oikonos - Ecosystem Knowledge, Kailua, HI, USA
| | - F. David Horgen
- College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawai’i Pacific University, Kaneohe, HI, USA
| | - Jennifer M. Lynch
- Center for Marine Debris Research, Hawai’i Pacific University, Waimanalo, HI, USA
- Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Waimanalo, HI, USA
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16
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Wang L, Nabi G, Yin L, Wang Y, Li S, Hao Z, Li D. Birds and plastic pollution: recent advances. AVIAN RESEARCH 2021; 12:59. [PMID: 34745642 PMCID: PMC8561682 DOI: 10.1186/s40657-021-00293-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste and debris have caused substantial environmental pollution globally in the past decades, and they have been accumulated in hundreds of terrestrial and aquatic avian species. Birds are susceptible and vulnerable to external environments; therefore, they could be used to estimate the negative effects of environmental pollution. In this review, we summarize the effects of macroplastics, microplastics, and plastic-derived additives and plastic-absorbed chemicals on birds. First, macroplastics and microplastics accumulate in different tissues of various aquatic and terrestrial birds, suggesting that birds could suffer from the macroplastics and microplastics-associated contaminants in the aquatic and terrestrial environments. Second, the detrimental effects of macroplastics and microplastics, and their derived additives and absorbed chemicals on the individual survival, growth and development, reproductive output, and physiology, are summarized in different birds, as well as the known toxicological mechanisms of plastics in laboratory model mammals. Finally, we identify that human commensal birds, long-life-span birds, and model bird species could be utilized to different research objectives to evaluate plastic pollution burden and toxicological effects of chronic plastic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
| | - Ghulam Nabi
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
| | - Liyun Yin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
| | - Yanqin Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
| | - Shuxin Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
| | - Zhuang Hao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
| | - Dongming Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024 China
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17
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Segoli M, Leduc S, Meng F, Hoffmann I, Kishinevsky M, Rozenberg T. Frequency and consequences of the collection of already parasitized caterpillars by a potter wasp. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8655. [PMID: 32457338 PMCID: PMC7250819 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65096-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Maladaptive behaviors reflecting a “bad” choice of habitat or resource have been widely documented; however, their persistence is often difficult to interpret. The potter wasp Delta dimidiatipenne constructs mud cells, in each of which it lays a single egg and places several caterpillars to feed its offspring. Preliminary observations indicated that a portion of these caterpillars were already parasitized and contained the offspring of the gregarious parasitoid Copidosoma primulum. As a result, the offspring of the potter wasp often failed to develop. To characterize the distribution, frequency and consequences of this intriguing phenomenon, we surveyed potter wasp nests throughout the Negev Desert. Evidence for parasitized caterpillars (mummies) was found in ~85% of the sampled sites, in ~20% of previous years’ nest cells and in ~70–80% of the same year’s cells. The survival and pupal mass of the potter wasp offspring were negatively associated with the presence and number of parasitized caterpillars inside the cells. We concluded that the collection of parasitized caterpillars by D. dimidiantipenne is frequent and costly. The persistence of this behavior may result from limited discrimination ability against parasitized prey by female potter wasps, or by their limited ability to exhibit choosiness under field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Segoli
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Israel.
| | - Sarah Leduc
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Israel
| | - Fengqun Meng
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Israel
| | - Ishai Hoffmann
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Israel
| | - Miriam Kishinevsky
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tamir Rozenberg
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Israel
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18
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Berr T, Naudet J, Lagourgue C, Vuibert K, Bourgeois K, Vidal É. Plastic ingestion by seabirds in New Caledonia, South Pacific. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 152:110925. [PMID: 32479297 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.110925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of plastic pollutants in marine environments has many adverse effects on wildlife. In particular, marine predators are often exposed to accidental plastic ingestion, that may negatively affect survival due to the concentration of debris in the digestive tract. Among the species most vulnerable to plastic ingestion, seabirds are of major interest for conservation because of their wide foraging areas, long generation time and extended lifespan. We analysed stomach contents of 90 seabird specimens from 12 different species collected in New Caledonia to assess the local prevalence of plastic ingestion. Overall, we found plastic debris in 14.4% of sampled individuals, exclusively in procellariids: Gould's Petrel (41.2%, highest incidence), Tahiti Petrel (33.3%) and Wedge-tailed Shearwater (7.7%). To our knowledge, this study is the first characterization of plastic ingestion in seabirds from New Caledonia and our results show an overall lower ingestion prevalence compared to other assessments in the tropical Pacific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Berr
- Département de Biologie, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France; UMR ENTROPIE (IRD-Université de La Réunion-CNRS), Laboratoire d'Excellence Labex-CORAIL, BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia; Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia.
| | - Jeanne Naudet
- Département de Biologie, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France; VetAgro Sup Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Cynthia Lagourgue
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia
| | - Kiara Vuibert
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia
| | - Karen Bourgeois
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia
| | - Éric Vidal
- UMR ENTROPIE (IRD-Université de La Réunion-CNRS), Laboratoire d'Excellence Labex-CORAIL, BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia; Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia
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19
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Tanaka K, Watanuki Y, Takada H, Ishizuka M, Yamashita R, Kazama M, Hiki N, Kashiwada F, Mizukawa K, Mizukawa H, Hyrenbach D, Hester M, Ikenaka Y, Nakayama SM. In Vivo Accumulation of Plastic-Derived Chemicals into Seabird Tissues. Curr Biol 2020; 30:723-728.e3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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20
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Kühn S, van Franeker JA. Quantitative overview of marine debris ingested by marine megafauna. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 151:110858. [PMID: 32056640 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
This review quantifies plastic interaction in marine biota. Firstly, entanglement and ingestion records for all marine birds, mammals, turtles, fish, and invertebrate species, are summarized from 747 studies. Marine debris affected 914 species through entanglement and/or ingestion. Ingestion was recorded for 701 species, entanglement was documented for 354 species. Secondly, the frequency of occurrence of ingestion per species (Sp-%FO) was extracted for marine birds, mammals and turtles. Thirdly, for seabird species, average numbers of plastics ingested per individual were determined. Highest Sp-%FO and average number of plastics were found in tubenosed seabirds with 41% of all birds analysed having plastics, on average 9.9 particles per bird. The Sp-%FO and average number of ingested particles is lower for most other species. However, for certain species, ingestion rates of litter are reason for serious concern. Standardized methods are crucial for future studies, to generate datasets that allow higher level ecosystem analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Kühn
- Wageningen Marine Research, Ankerpark 27, 1781 AG Den Helder, the Netherlands.
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21
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Cartraud AE, Le Corre M, Turquet J, Tourmetz J. Plastic ingestion in seabirds of the western Indian Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 140:308-314. [PMID: 30803649 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.01.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We investigated seabird plastic ingestion in the western Indian Ocean by analyzing the stomach contents of 222 individuals belonging to nine seabird species (including two endangered species endemics to Reunion Island). The most affected species were tropical shearwaters (79%) and Barau's petrels (59%). The average number of plastic particles per contaminated bird was higher in Barau's petrels (6.10 ± 1.29) than in tropical shearwaters (3.84 ± 0.59). All other studied species also showed plastic presence in their stomach contents. The mass of plastic particles was significantly higher both in juvenile's Barau's petrels and tropical shearwaters than in adults. These results demonstrate the foraging areas of seabirds of the western Indian Ocean have a high level of plastic pollution. In Reunion Island, hundreds of tropical shearwaters and Barau's petrels are attracted by urban lights and die each year. We suggest taking advantage of this situation by using these species as long-term indicators of plastic marine pollution in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey E Cartraud
- Université de la Réunion, UMR ENTROPIE, 97715 Saint-Denis cedex 9, Reunion Island, France; NEXA, CYROI, 2 rue Maxime Rivière, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Technopole de La Réunion, Reunion Island, France.
| | - Matthieu Le Corre
- Université de la Réunion, UMR ENTROPIE, 97715 Saint-Denis cedex 9, Reunion Island, France.
| | - Jean Turquet
- NEXA, CYROI, 2 rue Maxime Rivière, 97490 Sainte Clotilde, Technopole de La Réunion, Reunion Island, France
| | - Julie Tourmetz
- Société d'Etudes Ornithologiques de la Réunion, 13, ruelle des Orchidées, Cambuston, 97440 Saint André, Reunion Island, France.
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22
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Roman L, Bell E, Wilcox C, Hardesty BD, Hindell M. Ecological drivers of marine debris ingestion in Procellariiform Seabirds. Sci Rep 2019; 9:916. [PMID: 30696878 PMCID: PMC6351657 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37324-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Procellariiform seabirds are both the most threatened bird group globally, and the group with the highest incidence of marine debris ingestion. We examined the incidence and ecological factors associated with marine debris ingestion in Procellariiformes by examining seabirds collected at a global seabird hotspot, the Australasian - Southern Ocean boundary. We examined marine debris ingestion trends in 1734 individuals of 51 Procellariform species, finding significant variation in the incidence of marine debris abundance among species. Variation in the incidence of marine debris ingestion between species was influenced by the taxonomy, foraging ecology, diet, and foraging range overlaps with oceanic regions polluted with marine debris. Among the ecological drivers of marine debris ingestion variability in Procellariiformes, we demonstrate that the combination of taxonomy, foraging method, diet, and exposure to marine debris are the most important determinants of incidence of ingestion. We use these results to develop a global forecast for Procellariiform taxa at the risk of highest incidence of marine debris ingestion. We find seabirds that forage at the surface; especially by surface seizing, diving and filtering, those with a crustacean dominant diet, and those that forage in or near marine debris hotspots are at highest risk of debris ingestion. We predict that family with the highest risk are the storm petrels (Hydrobatidae and Oceanitidae). We demonstrate that the greater the exposure of high-risk groups to marine debris while foraging, the greater the incidence and number of marine debris items will be ingested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Roman
- Oceans and Atmosphere, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. .,Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.
| | - Elizabeth Bell
- Wildlife Management International, Blenheim, New Zealand
| | - Chris Wilcox
- Oceans and Atmosphere, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Britta Denise Hardesty
- Oceans and Atmosphere, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Mark Hindell
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.,Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems CRC, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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23
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Grant ML, Lavers JL, Stuckenbrock S, Sharp PB, Bond AL. The use of anthropogenic marine debris as a nesting material by brown boobies (Sula leucogaster). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 137:96-103. [PMID: 30503494 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris is pervasive worldwide, and affects biota negatively. We compared the characteristics of debris incorporated within brown booby (Sula leucogaster) nests throughout their pantropical distribution by assessing the type, colour and mass of debris items within nests and in beach transects at 18 sites, to determine if nests are indicators of the amount of debris in local marine environments. Debris was present in 14.4% of nests surveyed, with the proportion of nests with debris varying among sites (range: 0-100%). There was minimal overlap between the type or colour of debris found in nests and on adjacent beaches at individual sites. This suggests that brown boobies do not select debris uniformly across their distribution. We propose that the nests of brown boobies can be used as a sentinel of marine debris pollution of their local environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Grant
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, School Road, Newnham, Tasmania 7250, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia.
| | - Silke Stuckenbrock
- Two Hands Project, PO Box 4296, North Curl Curl, New South Wales 2101, Australia
| | - Paul B Sharp
- Two Hands Project, PO Box 4296, North Curl Curl, New South Wales 2101, Australia
| | - Alexander L Bond
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia; Bird Group, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6AP, United Kingdom
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Lavers JL, Hutton I, Bond AL. Ingestion of marine debris by Wedge-tailed Shearwaters (Ardenna pacifica) on Lord Howe Island, Australia during 2005-2018. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 133:616-621. [PMID: 30041356 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Annual rates of plastic production have been increasing rapidly since the 1950s. Inadequate or improper disposal of plastic products has contributed to a significant increase in plastic debris in the world's oceans and a corresponding increase in the number of species negatively affected by this debris. Here we investigate trends in the type, amount, and colour of ingested plastic over time, and determine whether ingested plastic contributes to reduced health of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters (Ardenna pacifica) on Lord Howe Island, Australia. The results show no clear influence of ingested plastic on body condition, while trends in the prevalence, number, and mass of plastic items ingested per bird during 2005 and 2013-2018 were more variable. There was some evidence adult birds are selecting plastic by colour. Future monitoring of this pan-tropical seabird would provide a unique opportunity to gather data from multiple sites, concurrently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia.
| | - Ian Hutton
- Lord Howe Island Museum, P.O. Box 157, Lord Howe Island, New South Wales 2898, Australia
| | - Alexander L Bond
- Bird Group, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6AP, United Kingdom
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Youngren SM, Rapp DC, Hyrenbach KD. Plastic ingestion by Tristram's Storm-petrel (Oceanodroma tristrami) chicks from French frigate shoals, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 128:369-378. [PMID: 29571385 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.01.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study provides the first quantification of plastic ingestion in the Tristram's Storm-petrel (Oceanodroma tristrami) in over 20 years. We found 100% plastic incidence in 57 chicks collected opportunistically over four breeding seasons (2007, 2010, 2011, 2012), with the mass of ingested plastic per individual ranging from 0.1 to 2.8 g (≤3.3% adult mass). While plastic occurred in every bird we examined, the proventriculus contained significantly more plastic, more fragments, and larger fragments than the gizzard. Most of the ingested plastic (97.5% by mass) consisted of fragments, ranging in length from 0.4 to 11.6 mm and ranging in surface area from 0.07 to 45.21 mm2. While fragments were ubiquitous, occurring in every proventriculus and gizzard we analyzed, Tristram's Storm-petrels also ingested foam, line and sheets. Digital analysis of 1425 ingested plastic fragments documented a wide range of colors, involving shades of white, yellow, orange, red, blue, green, and black.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Youngren
- Hawai'i Pacific University, Marine Science Programs at Oceanic Institute, 41-202 Kalaniana'ole Highway, Waimanalo, HI 96795, USA; Oikonos - Ecosystem Knowledge, P.O. Box 1918, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
| | - Daniel C Rapp
- Hawai'i Pacific University, Marine Science Programs at Oceanic Institute, 41-202 Kalaniana'ole Highway, Waimanalo, HI 96795, USA; Oikonos - Ecosystem Knowledge, P.O. Box 1918, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
| | - K David Hyrenbach
- Hawai'i Pacific University, Marine Science Programs at Oceanic Institute, 41-202 Kalaniana'ole Highway, Waimanalo, HI 96795, USA.
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