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Høiberg MA, Stadler K, Verones F. Disentangling marine plastic impacts in Life Cycle Assessment: Spatially explicit Characterization Factors for ecosystem quality. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 949:175019. [PMID: 39059661 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175019] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Inputs of persistent plastic items to marine environments continue to pose a serious and long-term threat to marine fauna and ecosystem health, justifying further interventions on local and global scales. While Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is frequently used for sustainability evaluations by industries and policymakers, plastic leakage to the environment and its subsequent impacts remains absent from the framework. Incorporating plastic pollution in the assessments requires development of both inventories and impact assessment methods. Here, we propose spatially explicit Characterization Factors (CF) for quantifying the impacts of plastic entanglement on marine megafauna (mammals, birds and reptiles) on a global scale. We utilize Lagrangian particle tracking and a Species Sensitivity Distribution (SSD) model along with species susceptibility records to estimate potential entanglement impacts stemming from lost plastic-based fishing gear. By simulating plastic losses from fishing hotspots within all Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) we provide country-specific impact estimates for use in LCA. The impacts were found to be similar across regions, although the median CF associated with Oceania was higher compared to Europe, Africa and Asia. Our findings underscore the presence of susceptible species across the world and the transboundary issue of plastic pollution. We discuss the application of the factors and identify areas of further refinement that can contribute towards a comprehensive assessment of macroplastic pollution in sustainability assessments. Degradation and beaching rates for different types of fishing gear remain a research gap, along with population-level effects on marine taxa beyond surface breathing megafauna. Increasing the coverage of impacts specific to the marine realm in LCA alongside other stressors can facilitate informed decision-making towards more sustainable marine resource management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marthe A Høiberg
- Industrial Ecology Programme, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Konstantin Stadler
- Industrial Ecology Programme, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Francesca Verones
- Industrial Ecology Programme, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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2
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Yakich DM, Wooley AK, Heath LB, Poulakis GR. Effects of marine debris and human interactions on the smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 206:116606. [PMID: 39053260 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116606] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Although conservation efforts have reduced threats, the endangered smalltooth sawfish, Pristis pectinata, is still at risk from anthropogenic effects such as entanglement in recreational and commercial fishing gear. From 2017 to 2021, data from field research and the public in Florida documented 176 individuals that were entangled, injured, or killed by debris or human interactions. While entanglements in fishing gear (e.g., trawls, fishing tackle) remain the most frequent threat, interactions with household items have increased. Since 2017, 30 sawfish were reported with encircling debris (e.g., monofilament loops, rubber bands, ball bungee cords) around anterior parts of their bodies. Ball bungee cords have emerged as a problem, likely related to the popularity of their use in securing boat lift canopy covers. Collectively, encircling items have interfered with eye, spiracle, gill, and mouth function. Continued outreach is a priority to address these pollutants, their sources (e.g., manufacturers), and their effects on recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan M Yakich
- Charlotte Harbor Field Laboratory, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 585 Prineville Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33954, United States.
| | - Andrew K Wooley
- Charlotte Harbor Field Laboratory, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 585 Prineville Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33954, United States.
| | - Lukas B Heath
- Charlotte Harbor Field Laboratory, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 585 Prineville Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33954, United States.
| | - Gregg R Poulakis
- Charlotte Harbor Field Laboratory, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 585 Prineville Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33954, United States.
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3
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Mehrotra R, Monchanin C, Desmolles M, Traipipitsiriwat S, Chakrabongse D, Patel A, Kasemsant M, Pitt SM, McCabe T, McGrath T, Marcellucci C, Japakang S, Real TT, Echaubard P, Magson K, Dowling J, Dowling S, Sriaram S, Suraswadi P, Jualaong S. Assessing the scale and ecological impact of derelict and discarded fishing gear across Thailand via the MARsCI citizen science protocol. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116577. [PMID: 38896959 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116577] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
South-East Asia is among the least studied regions for the growing issue of marine debris pollution, despite being a major contributor towards global marine debris. In the present study, we provide the preliminary results from the MARsCI project, a survey protocol designed to utilise citizen science to facilitate data collection on the ecological impact of discarded fishing gear (DFG) in Thailand. Over a three-year period, 103 surveys were carried out across Thailand, resulting in impact assessment of 606 pieces of DFG. Our findings indicate corals are regularly impacted by DFG in Thai waters and that isolated marine habitats may be more severely impacted than near-shore sites. We further identify crabs, muricid snails, and demersal fish to be among the most regularly entangled animals. We discuss our findings in the context of earlier work from Thailand, and conduct a critical review of the protocol itself, identifying improvements for future efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Mehrotra
- Aow Thai Marine Ecology Center, Love Wildlife Foundation, FREC Bangkok, 77 Nakhon Sawan Rd, Wat Sommanat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand.
| | - Coline Monchanin
- Aow Thai Marine Ecology Center, Love Wildlife Foundation, FREC Bangkok, 77 Nakhon Sawan Rd, Wat Sommanat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
| | - Matthias Desmolles
- Aow Thai Marine Ecology Center, Love Wildlife Foundation, FREC Bangkok, 77 Nakhon Sawan Rd, Wat Sommanat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
| | - Salisa Traipipitsiriwat
- Environmental Justice Foundation, Room 407, 92/4, Floor 2, Sathorn Thani 2 Building, North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
| | - Dominic Chakrabongse
- Environmental Justice Foundation, Room 407, 92/4, Floor 2, Sathorn Thani 2 Building, North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
| | - Amir Patel
- Aow Thai Marine Ecology Center, Love Wildlife Foundation, FREC Bangkok, 77 Nakhon Sawan Rd, Wat Sommanat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
| | - Maythira Kasemsant
- Aow Thai Marine Ecology Center, Love Wildlife Foundation, FREC Bangkok, 77 Nakhon Sawan Rd, Wat Sommanat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
| | - Sam Miyano Pitt
- Aow Thai Marine Ecology Center, Love Wildlife Foundation, FREC Bangkok, 77 Nakhon Sawan Rd, Wat Sommanat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
| | - Tim McCabe
- Thai Ocean Academy Bangkok, Room 2113 Floor 2 Gateway Ekamai 982/22 Sukhumvit Rd Phrakanong, Klong Toei, Bangkok 10250, Thailand
| | - Trent McGrath
- Thai Ocean Academy Koh Chang, 18/7 Bang Bao Plaza, Tambon Koh Chang Tai, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand
| | - Claudia Marcellucci
- Aow Thai Marine Ecology Center, Love Wildlife Foundation, FREC Bangkok, 77 Nakhon Sawan Rd, Wat Sommanat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
| | - Supatcha Japakang
- Aow Thai Marine Ecology Center, Love Wildlife Foundation, FREC Bangkok, 77 Nakhon Sawan Rd, Wat Sommanat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
| | - Thomas Thana Real
- Aow Thai Marine Ecology Center, Love Wildlife Foundation, FREC Bangkok, 77 Nakhon Sawan Rd, Wat Sommanat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
| | - Pierre Echaubard
- SOAS University London, 10 Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H0XG, United Kingdom; NatureMind-ED, 414, Soi Chong Pli 6, Aonang, Krabi 81180, Thailand
| | - Kirsty Magson
- New Heaven Reef Conservation Program, 48 Moo 3, Chalok Ban Kao, Koh Tao, Suratthani 84360, Thailand; Conservation Diver, 7321 Timber Trail Road, Evergreen, CO 80439, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Dowling
- The Coral Tribe, 7/1 Moo 2, Koh Tao, Surat Thani 84360, Thailand
| | - Simon Dowling
- The Coral Tribe, 7/1 Moo 2, Koh Tao, Surat Thani 84360, Thailand
| | - Siriporn Sriaram
- Aow Thai Marine Ecology Center, Love Wildlife Foundation, FREC Bangkok, 77 Nakhon Sawan Rd, Wat Sommanat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand; International Union for Conservation of Nature, Asia Regional Office, 63 Sukhumvit Road Soi 39 Klongton-Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
| | - Pinsak Suraswadi
- Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Chaeng Watthana Government Complex, 120 Moo 3, Cheangwattana Road, Thung Song Hong Sub-District, Lak Si District, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Suthep Jualaong
- Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center, Eastern Gulf of Thailand, 309 Moo 1, Paknam Prasae, Kleang, Rayong 21170, Thailand
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Deakin K, Savage G, Jones JS, Porter A, Muñoz-Pérez JP, Santillo D, Lewis C. Sea surface microplastics in the Galapagos: Grab samples reveal high concentrations of particles <200 μm in size. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 923:171428. [PMID: 38438045 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171428] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution in the oceans is increasing, yet most global sea surface data is collected using plankton nets which limits our knowledge of the smaller and more bioaccessible size fraction of microplastics (<5 mm). We sampled the biodiverse coastal waters of the Galapagos Island of San Cristobal, comparing two different microplastic sampling methodologies; 1 l whole seawater grab samples filtered to 1.2 μm and sea surface plankton tows with a net mesh size of 200 μm. Our data reveal high concentrations of microplastics in Galapagos coastal waters surrounding the urban area, averaging 11.5 ± 1.48 particles l-1, with a four-order of magnitude increase in microplastic abundance observed using grab sampling compared with 200 μm plankton nets. This increase was greater when including anthropogenic cellulose particles, averaging 19.8 ± 1.86 particles l-1. Microplastic and anthropogenic cellulose particles smaller than 200 μm comprised 44 % of the particles from grab samples, suggesting previous estimates of microplastic pollution based on plankton nets likely miss and therefore underestimate these smaller particles. The particle characteristics and distribution of these smaller particles points strongly to a local input of cellulosic fibres in addition to the microplastic particles transported longer distances via the Humbolt current found across the surface seawater of the Galapagos. Improving our understanding of particle characteristics and distributions to highlight likely local sources will facilitate the development of local mitigation and management plans to reduce the input and impacts of microplastics to marine species, not just in the Galapagos but globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Deakin
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Georgie Savage
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Jen S Jones
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK; Galapagos Conservation Trust, 7-14 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4YR, UK
| | - Adam Porter
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Juan Pablo Muñoz-Pérez
- Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales (COCIBA), Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, Ecuador; School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast UniSC, Hervey Bay, QLD, Australia
| | - David Santillo
- Greenpeace Research Laboratories, School of Biosciences, Innovation Centre Phase 2, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4RN, UK
| | - Ceri Lewis
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
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5
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Garrard SL, Clark JR, Martin N, Nelms SE, Botterell ZLR, Cole M, Coppock RL, Galloway TS, Green DS, Jones M, Lindeque PK, Tillin HM, Beaumont NJ. Identifying potential high-risk zones for land-derived plastic litter to marine megafauna and key habitats within the North Atlantic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171282. [PMID: 38412875 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171282] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The pervasive use of plastic in modern society has led to plastic litter becoming ubiquitous within the ocean. Land-based sources of plastic litter are thought to account for the majority of plastic pollution in the marine environment, with plastic bags, bottles, wrappers, food containers and cutlery among the most common items found. In the marine environment, plastic is a transboundary pollutant, with the potential to cause damage far beyond the political borders from where it originated, making the management of this global pollutant particularly complex. In this study, the risks of land-derived plastic litter (LDPL) to major groups of marine megafauna - seabirds, cetaceans, pinnipeds, elasmobranchs, turtles, sirenians, tuna and billfish - and a selection of productive and biodiverse biogenic habitats - coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, saltmarsh and kelp beds - were analysed using a Spatial Risk Assessment approach. The approach combines metrics for vulnerability (mechanism of harm for megafauna group or habitat), hazard (plastic abundance) and exposure (distribution of group or habitat). Several potential high-risk zones (HRZs) across the North Atlantic were highlighted, including the Azores, the UK, the French and US Atlantic coasts, and the US Gulf of Mexico. Whilst much of the modelled LDPL driving risk in the UK originated from domestic sources, in other HRZs, such as the Azores archipelago and the US Gulf of Mexico, plastic originated almost exclusively from external (non-domestic) sources. LDPL from Caribbean islands - some of the largest generators of marine plastic pollution in the dataset of river plastic emissions used in the study - was noted as a significant input to HRZs across both sides of the Atlantic. These findings highlight the potential of Spatial Risk Assessment analyses to determine the location of HRZs and understand where plastic debris monitoring and management should be prioritised, enabling more efficient deployment of interventions and mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Garrard
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom.
| | - James R Clark
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Martin
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E Nelms
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Zara L R Botterell
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Cole
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel L Coppock
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Dannielle S Green
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, United Kingdom
| | - Megan Jones
- Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, United Kingdom
| | - Pennie K Lindeque
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Heidi M Tillin
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J Beaumont
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
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6
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Aranda DA, Sindou P, Cauich Rodriguez JV, Saldaña GM, Coronado RFV, González WDN, Díaz ME, Escalante VC. A non-invasive method of microplastics pollution quantification in green sea turtle Chelonia mydas of the Mexican Caribbean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116092. [PMID: 38359479 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116092] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Due to the amply exposure of marine turtles to marine plastic pollution, this is a reason that the green sea turtle Chelonia mydas makes a good candidate species as a bioindicator for plastic pollution. Turtle feces were collected at Isla Blanca on the northeast Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Microplastic extraction was done following Hidalgo-Ruz et al. (2012) and Masura et al. (2015) methods. After organic matter degradation of the feces samples, microplastics were identified and quantified by stereomicroscope. Their morphostructure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, while their composition was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Microplastics (MP) abundance ranged from 10 ± 2 MP·g-1 to 89 ± 3 MP·g-1. Kruskal Wallis test (KW = 70.31, p < 0.001) showed a significant difference between 22 green turtles analyzed. Most of the microplastics were fiber type. Blue, purple, and transparent fibers were the most abundant. The identified microplastics were nylon (polyamide), PVC, polypropylene, polyester, and viscose (cellulose). The non-invasive method used here allowed the detection of microplastic pollution and is promising for long-term microplastic pollution monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalila Aldana Aranda
- Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav IPN Mérida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso Km. 6, 97310 Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico.
| | - Pauline Sindou
- Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav IPN Mérida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso Km. 6, 97310 Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico; Université des Antilles, Campus Fouillole, BP 250, 97157 Pointe-á-Pitre, Guadeloupe
| | - Juan V Cauich Rodriguez
- Unidad de Materiales, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Col. Chuburná de Hidalgo, 97205 Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | | | - Rossana Faride Vargas Coronado
- Unidad de Materiales, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Col. Chuburná de Hidalgo, 97205 Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | | | - Martha Enríquez Díaz
- Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav IPN Mérida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso Km. 6, 97310 Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Víctor Castillo Escalante
- Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav IPN Mérida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso Km. 6, 97310 Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico
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7
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Munno K, Hoopes L, Lyons K, Drymon M, Frazier B, Rochman CM. High microplastic and anthropogenic particle contamination in the gastrointestinal tracts of tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) caught in the western North Atlantic Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123185. [PMID: 38147950 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have documented microplastics (<5 mm) in shark gastrointestinal (GI) tracts. Here, we report microplastic contamination in the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), an apex predator and generalist feeder, at several different life stages. We examined seven stomachs and one spiral valve from eight individuals captured off the United States Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts (eastern US) and conducted a literature review of publications reporting anthropogenic debris ingestion in elasmobranchs. Specimens were chemically digested in potassium hydroxide (KOH) and density separated using calcium chloride (CaCl2) before quantifying and categorizing suspected anthropogenic particles (>45 μm) by size, morphology, and colour. Anthropogenic particles were found in the stomachs and spiral valve of all sharks. A total of 3151 anthropogenic particles were observed across all stomachs with 1603 anthropogenic particles observed in a single specimen. A subset of suspected anthropogenic particles (14%) were chemically identified using Raman spectroscopy and μ-Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy to confirm anthropogenic origin. Overall, ≥95% of particles analyzed via spectroscopy were confirmed anthropogenic, with 45% confirmed as microplastics. Of the microplastics, polypropylene (32%) was the most common polymer. Diverse microparticle morphologies were found, with fragments (57%) and fibers (41%) most frequently observed. The high occurrence and abundance of anthropogenic particle contamination in tiger sharks is likely due to their generalist feeding strategy and high trophic position compared to other marine species. The literature review resulted in 32 studies published through 2022. Several methodologies were employed, and varying amounts of contamination were reported, but none reported contamination as high as detected in our study. Anthropogenic particle ingestion studies should continue in the tiger shark, in addition to other elasmobranch species, to further understand the effects of anthropogenic activities and associated pollution on these predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keenan Munno
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Lisa Hoopes
- Georgia Aquarium, IUCN Center for Species Survival, 225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA, 30313, USA
| | - Kady Lyons
- Georgia Aquarium, IUCN Center for Species Survival, 225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA, 30313, USA
| | - Marcus Drymon
- Mississippi State University, Coastal Research and Extension Center, 1815 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi, MS, 39532, USA; Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, 703 East Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, MS, 39564, USA
| | - Bryan Frazier
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Research Institute, 217 Ft. Johnson Rd. Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Inteca G, Hagy B, Silva I, Amoda C, Cululo A, Farooq H. The tourism industry keeps beaches clean in Mozambique. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115615. [PMID: 37804669 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115615] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we conducted the first assessment of the litter abundance, diversity and predictors in Mozambique, by collecting approximately 2 tons of litter along six beaches across the country. We tested whether population, touristic industry, fishing, and recreation activities predict the quantity of macro litter for each of the 11 types and 141 subtypes of litter. Overall, we found that plastics made up 60.1 % of the items across all sampled beaches. Following plastics, clothing objects accounted for the second most weight (20.4 %) while foam objects were the second most abundant (15.7 %). More importantly, our results show that the tourism industry is a strong predictor for lower levels of litter across most types of litter while population density and fishing activity were strong predictors for higher levels. Our findings suggest that the tourism industry plays a crucial role in the country by maintaining the beaches clean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gélica Inteca
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, P.O. Box 958, Pemba, Mozambique.
| | - Badru Hagy
- Oceanographic Institute of Mozambique, P.O. Box 4603, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Isabel Silva
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, P.O. Box 958, Pemba, Mozambique
| | - Carlota Amoda
- Oceanographic Institute of Mozambique, P.O. Box 4603, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Aniceto Cululo
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, P.O. Box 958, Pemba, Mozambique
| | - Harith Farooq
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, P.O. Box 958, Pemba, Mozambique; Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, P.O. Box 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark; Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, P.O. Box 461, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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9
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Afonso AS, Fidelis L. The fate of plastic-wearing sharks: Entanglement of an iconic top predator in marine debris. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115326. [PMID: 37527571 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115326] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste is currently a major threat to marine ecosystems, and the ever-growing production of plastic materials suggests that this scenario will not change soon. Understanding cryptic effects of plastic debris on keystone marine species is warranted to address ecosystem-level impacts caused by plastic pollution. This study reports on plastic entanglement in top predator tiger sharks, Galeocerdo cuvier, from the western South Atlantic Ocean. Circular plastic straps produced severe trauma in 3 % of all tiger sharks sampled and led to abnormal anatomical development, indicating worrisome incidence and consequences of plastic entanglement in this species. Removing the plastic strap from one shark which had been entangled for at least 9 months was probably the cause for the shark having experienced post-release mortality. This suggests that, in some circumstances, strap removal is not effective to promote the survival of entangled sharks. Eliminating the circular integrity of plastic materials at first use should contribute to mitigate some of the impacts of plastic pollution on marine megafauna since this shape might be determinant in the process of shark entanglement.
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Affiliation(s)
- André S Afonso
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET-Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo Fidelis
- Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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Rodríguez Y, Silva MA, Pham CK, Duncan EM. Cetaceans playing with single-use plastics (SUPs): A widespread interaction with likely severe impacts. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115428. [PMID: 37639865 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115428] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Play is a common behaviour in wild cetaceans that includes the manipulation of natural, as well as artificial objects such as marine debris. Yet, very little is known about these interactions despite the potential impacts on cetacean health. We combined a detailed review of the scientific literature and social media with 12 years of observations to examine cetacean interactions with plastic litter. A total of 11 odontocete species (Tursiops truncatus, Stenella longirostris, Delphinus delphis, Grampus griseus, Steno bredanensis, Stenella frontalis, Sotalia guianensis, Pseudorca crassidens, Orcinus orca, Globicephala melas and Physeter macrocephalus) were documented in 59 events carrying or throwing plastic litter with their head and/or flippers suggesting a form of play. Interactions occurred in the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, and Red Sea, with single-use plastics composing the main typology registered. While these interactions appeared harmless to the observers, they can pose a significant risk through subsequent entanglement or ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal.
| | - Mónica A Silva
- Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal
| | - Christopher K Pham
- Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal
| | - Emily M Duncan
- Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar - OKEANOS, Universidade dos Açores, 9900-138 Horta, Portugal
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11
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Thrift E, Nouvellet P, Mathews F. Plastic Entanglement Poses a Potential Hazard to European Hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus in Great Britain. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2448. [PMID: 37570257 PMCID: PMC10417105 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
A questionnaire to gather evidence on the plastic entanglement of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) was sent to 160 wildlife rehabilitation centres in Great Britain. Fifty-four responses were received, and 184 individual admissions owing to plastic entanglement were reported. Death was the outcome for 46% (n = 86) of these cases. A high proportion of Britain's hedgehogs enter rehabilitation centres annually (approximately 5% of the national population and potentially 10% of the urban population), providing a robust basis for assessing the minimum impacts at a national level. We estimate that 4000-7000 hedgehog deaths per year are attributable to plastic, with the true rate likely being higher, since many entangled hedgehogs-in contrast to those involved in road traffic accidents-will not be found. Population modelling indicates that this excess mortality is sufficient to cause population declines. Although the scale of the impact is much lower than that attributable to traffic, it is nevertheless an additional pressure on a species that is already in decline and presents a significant welfare issue to a large number of individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fiona Mathews
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RH, UK; (E.T.); (P.N.)
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12
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Nicholson K. Entanglement in recreational fishing gear poses a threat to estuarine and coastal dolphins: Animal welfare and population level impacts should guide intervention decision making. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:115094. [PMID: 37285612 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Derelict and active fishing gear poses a threat to marine wildlife. This study details Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin entanglements in recreational fishing gear in the Peel-Harvey Estuary, Western Australia between 2016 and 2022. Eight entanglements were recorded, three resulted in death. While concerning from an animal welfare perspective, the impact of entanglements on the viability of the local dolphin population was low. This is as majority of affected individuals were juvenile males. Should entanglements result in the loss of reproductive females, or impact their reproductive success, the population trajectory could quickly change. As such, management decision making should consider population level impacts as well as the welfare of entangled individuals. Government agencies, together with relevant stakeholders, should work together to maintain preparedness to respond to entanglements and take preventative action that lowers the risk of interactions with recreational fishing gear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista Nicholson
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch 6150, Western Australia.
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13
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Omeyer LCM, Duncan EM, Abreo NAS, Acebes JMV, AngSinco-Jimenez LA, Anuar ST, Aragones LV, Araujo G, Carrasco LR, Chua MAH, Cordova MR, Dewanti LP, Espiritu EQ, Garay JB, Germanov ES, Getliff J, Horcajo-Berna E, Ibrahim YS, Jaafar Z, Janairo JIB, Gyi TK, Kreb D, Lim CL, Lyons Y, Mustika PLK, Neo ML, Ng SZH, Pasaribu B, Pariatamby A, Peter C, Porter L, Purba NP, Santa Cruz ET, Shams S, Thompson KF, Torres DS, Westerlaken R, Wongtawan T, Godley BJ. Interactions between marine megafauna and plastic pollution in Southeast Asia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 874:162502. [PMID: 36868274 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Southeast (SE) Asia is a highly biodiverse region, yet it is also estimated to cumulatively contribute a third of the total global marine plastic pollution. This threat is known to have adverse impacts on marine megafauna, however, understanding of its impacts has recently been highlighted as a priority for research in the region. To address this knowledge gap, a structured literature review was conducted for species of cartilaginous fishes, marine mammals, marine reptiles, and seabirds present in SE Asia, collating cases on a global scale to allow for comparison, coupled with a regional expert elicitation to gather additional published and grey literature cases which would have been omitted during the structured literature review. Of the 380 marine megafauna species present in SE Asia, but also studied elsewhere, we found that 9.1 % and 4.5 % of all publications documenting plastic entanglement (n = 55) and ingestion (n = 291) were conducted in SE Asian countries. At the species level, published cases of entanglement from SE Asian countries were available for 10 % or less of species within each taxonomic group. Additionally, published ingestion cases were available primarily for marine mammals and were lacking entirely for seabirds in the region. The regional expert elicitation led to entanglement and ingestion cases from SE Asian countries being documented in 10 and 15 additional species respectively, highlighting the utility of a broader approach to data synthesis. While the scale of the plastic pollution in SE Asia is of particular concern for marine ecosystems, knowledge of its interactions and impacts on marine megafauna lags behind other areas of the world, even after the inclusion of a regional expert elicitation. Additional funding to help collate baseline data are critically needed to inform policy and solutions towards limiting the interactions of marine megafauna and plastic pollution in SE Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy C M Omeyer
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
| | - Emily M Duncan
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom; Institute of Marine Sciences-Okeanos, University of the Azores, Rua Professor Doutor Frederico Machado 4, 9901-862 Horta, Portugal.
| | - Neil Angelo S Abreo
- AI and Robotics Laboratory-Environmental Studies, University of the Philippines, Mindanao, Philippines
| | - Jo Marie V Acebes
- BALYENA.ORG, Jagna, Bohol, Philippines; Zoology Division, The National Museum of the Philippines, Padre Burgos Avenue, Manila, Philippines
| | - Lea A AngSinco-Jimenez
- Regional Integrated Coastal Resource Management Center (RIC-XI), hosted by Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), City of Mati, Davao Oriental, Philippines
| | - Sabiqah T Anuar
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Lemnuel V Aragones
- Marine Mammal Research & Conservation Laboratory, Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Gonzalo Araujo
- Marine Research and Conservation Foundation, Lydeard St Lawrence, Somerset, United Kingdom; Environmental Science Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Luis R Carrasco
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore
| | - Marcus A H Chua
- Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore, 2 Conservatory Drive, Singapore 117377, Singapore
| | - Muhammad R Cordova
- Research Centre for Oceanography, The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol Jalan Pasir Putih 1, Ancol Timur, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia
| | - Lantun P Dewanti
- Fishery Department, Faculty of Fishery and Marine Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, 40600 Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Emilyn Q Espiritu
- Department of Environmental Science, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, 1108 Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Jovanie B Garay
- Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), San Isidro Extension Campus, San Isidro, Davao Oriental, Philippines
| | - Elitza S Germanov
- Marine Megafauna Foundation, West Palm Beach, FL, United States of America; Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jade Getliff
- Roctopus ecoTrust, Roctopus Dive, Sairee Beach, Koh Tao 84360, Thailand
| | | | - Yusof S Ibrahim
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Zeehan Jaafar
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore; Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, 119227, Singapore
| | - Jose Isagani B Janairo
- Department of Biology, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 0922 Manila, Philippines
| | - Thanda Ko Gyi
- Myanmar Ocean Project, 24 Myaing Hay Wun Housing, Yangon 11061, Myanmar
| | - Danielle Kreb
- Yayasan Konservasi RASI/Laboratory of Hydro-Oceanography, Faculty of Fisheries, Mulawarman University, Samarinda, Indonesia
| | - Cheng Ling Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore
| | - Youna Lyons
- Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore, Bukit Timah Campus, 259770, Singapore
| | - Putu L K Mustika
- College of Business, Law and Governance, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia; Cetacean Sirenian Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia; Whale Stranding Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Mei Lin Neo
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, 119227, Singapore
| | - Sirius Z H Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543, Singapore
| | - Buntora Pasaribu
- Marine Science Department, Faculty of Fishery and Marine Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, 40600 Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Agamuthu Pariatamby
- Jeffrey Sachs Centre on Sustainable Development, Sunway University, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, Malaysia
| | - Cindy Peter
- Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Lindsay Porter
- The Institute of Marine Ecology and Conservation (IMEC), National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Noir P Purba
- Marine Science Department, Faculty of Fishery and Marine Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, 40600 Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Ernesto T Santa Cruz
- Consultant on Environmental Affairs, Independent Researcher, Davao City, Philippines
| | - Shahriar Shams
- Civil Engineering Programme Area, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong, BE 1410, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Kirsten F Thompson
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel S Torres
- Independent Marine Megafauna Researcher, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Rodney Westerlaken
- Westerlaken Foundation, Yayasan Bali Bersih, Indonesia; Hotel Management School, NHL Stenden University, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands; Faculty of Environmental Science, Udayana University, Indonesia
| | - Tuempong Wongtawan
- Marine Animal Research and Rescue Centre, Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Thai Buri, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; Centre for One Health, Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Thai Buri, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; Centre of Excellence for Coastal Resource Management with Communal Participation, Walailak University, Thai Buri, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Brendan J Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, United Kingdom
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14
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Mugilarasan M, Karthik R, Robin RS, Subbareddy B, Hariharan G, Anandavelu I, Jinoj TPS, Purvaja R, Ramesh R. Anthropogenic marine litter: An approach to environmental quality for India's southeastern Arabian Sea coast. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 866:161363. [PMID: 36610620 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic marine litter (AML), mainly plastic, is a global concern that is persistent and widespread. To prevent and mitigate this threat, we need to understand the magnitude and source of AML. There is limited knowledge about AML pollution on the Indian Coast. In this context, the present study examined the distribution, abundance, typology, and beach quality based on AML along 22 beaches on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Sea. A total of 4911 AML items were classified into 9 categories, weighing 16.79 kg, and retrieved from a total area of 8000 m2. The mean abundance and weight of AML in the current study were 0.45 ± 0.34 items/m2 and 1.53 ± 0.92 g/m2, respectively. Thottapally showed the most abundant AML among the studied beaches with 0.96 items/m2, followed by Azheekkal with 0.73 items/m2. Plastic, being the most common item, accounts for 77.6 % of all items and has a mean density of 0.35 items/m2 comprising hard plastic (22 %), thermocol (13 %), food wrappers (7 %), cigarette butts (7 %), plastic rope (6 %), and plastic cutlery (6 %). Hazardous anthropogenic litter (HAL) was maximum at Thottapally (17.71 %; 85 out of 480 items collected). Based on the cleanliness of beaches, they are graded "moderately clean" (63 %) by the General Index (GI), "clean" (54 %), and "moderately clean" (40 %) as calculated by the Clean Coast Index (CCI). Hazardous Anthropogenic Beach Litter Index (HABLI) classifies 72 % of beaches as "moderately safe", while the Environmental Status Index (ESI) rates 68 % of beaches as "mediocre". Besides, model simulations demonstrated the pathways of AML propagation, which correlate to the littoral and coastal current flow patterns over the region. Land-based activities were the crucial factors influencing AML distribution. The study highlighted the need for effective regional litter management strategies, policy instruments for the litter impact pathways, economic, regulatory, and behavioural management tools, which were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mugilarasan
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - R Karthik
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - R S Robin
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India.
| | - B Subbareddy
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - G Hariharan
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - I Anandavelu
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - T P S Jinoj
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - R Purvaja
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
| | - R Ramesh
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai 600 025, India
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15
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Huang X, Gao H, Li Z, Wu F, Gong Y, Li Y. Microplastic contamination and risk assessment in blue shark (Prionace glauca) from the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114138. [PMID: 36162290 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114138] [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: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We quantified the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in the blue shark, Prionace glauca, found in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean and investigated the potential microplastic pollution risks. Microplastics (MPs) were detected in 39.1 % of specimens, up to 0.15 ± 0.38 items/g wet weight of the posterior part of the pylorus, and were sized 45.87 to 3220.12 μm. The majority were fibrous in shape (83.3 %) and blue in color (72.2 %). Both sexes of sharks had similar MP abundance and characteristics, except for polymers, with polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene representing the dominant type in males and females, respectively. Most individuals experienced low pollution, but one male P. glauca exhibited a high ecological risk level owing to the high MP abundance and detection of polyvinyl chloride. This study provides an important baseline for the ingestion of microplastics by pelagic shark species and is a preliminary quantitative measure that could be used in future studies of the risk of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemin Huang
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huachen Gao
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zezheng Li
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Wu
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Oceanic Fisheries Exploration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Gong
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Oceanic Fisheries Exploration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yunkai Li
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; National Engineering Research Centre for Oceanic Fisheries, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Oceanic Fisheries Exploration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai, China.
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16
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Roman L, Hardesty BD, Schuyler Q. A systematic review and risk matrix of plastic litter impacts on aquatic wildlife: A case study of the Mekong and Ganges River Basins. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 843:156858. [PMID: 35772547 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic litter is a pollutant of aquatic environments worldwide, with some of the world's highest litter densities occurring in freshwater ecosystems. Little information about the risk that plastic litter poses to aquatic wildlife is available across the world's most polluted waterways. To help assess the risk to aquatic species where empirical data is lacking, our review presents i) a risk assessment methodology for predicting plastic litter impacts on aquatic wildlife in data poor environments, ii) a case study demonstrating this risk assessment methodology for wildlife across two heavily polluted river basins in Asia, the Mekong and Ganges River Basins; and iii) a broad review summarising common trends in litter interactions and risk to freshwater fish, aquatic birds, cetaceans and raptors. This risk analysis unites a systematic review approach with risk matrices following International Standards Organization's risk assessment criteria, evaluating the risk of plastic entanglement and ingestion and the potential for harm to the animal. In the Mekong and Ganges River Basins, we found that the risk of litter entanglement is higher than litter ingestion. Four species were forecast to be at high risk of entanglement: Ganges River dolphin, Gharial, Mekong giant catfish and Irrawaddy dolphin. The eastern imperial eagle and greater spotted eagle were noted to be at moderate risk of entanglement. Both the Ganges River dolphin and Irrawaddy dolphin were predicted to have a moderate risk of plastic ingestion. Interestingly, cranes, waterfowl and wading birds were deemed at low or negligible risk from plastic litter. This risk matrix methodology can be applied to other waterways and taxa to assess the risk posed by plastic. It can also be readily updated as more information becomes available. This review enables decision makers to bridge a data gap by providing a tool for conservation and management before comprehensive empirical data is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Roman
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Britta Denise Hardesty
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Centre for Marine Socioecology, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Qamar Schuyler
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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17
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Thrift E, Porter A, Galloway TS, Coomber FG, Mathews F. Ingestion of plastics by terrestrial small mammals. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 842:156679. [PMID: 35710017 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The exposure of wildlife to waste plastic is widely recognised as an issue for aquatic ecosystems but very little is known about terrestrial systems. Here, we addressed the hypothesis that UK small mammals are ingesting plastics by examining faecal samples for the presence of plastic using micro Fourier Transform infrared microscopy. Plastic polymers were detected in four out of the seven species examined (European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus); field vole (Microtus agrestis); brown rat (Rattus norvegicus)). Ingestion occurred across species of differing dietary habits (herbivorous, insectivorous and omnivorous) and locations (urban versus non-urban). Densities excreted were comparable with those reported in human studies. The prevalence of confirmed plastics in the 261 faecal samples was 16.5 % (95 % CI 13 %, 22 %). Most (70 %) of the 60 plastic fragments were <1 mm (microplastics). Polyester, likely to be derived from textiles, accounted for 27 % of the fragments and was found in all plastic-positive species except for the wood mouse. The high prevalence of polyester in terrestrial ecosystems was unexpected and suggests that evaluation is needed of practices likely to transfer this plastic into the environment (such as sewage sludge application to farmland). Polynorbornene, which is likely to be derived from tyre wear, and polyethylene were also commonly detected polymers. 'Biodegradable' plastics formed 27 % (n = 12) of the particles found in wild mammal faeces, warranting further research to assess their persistence in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Thrift
- University of Sussex, John Maynard Smith Building, BN1 9QG, UK; Mammal Society, Black Horse Cottage, Milton Abbas, Blandford Forum, DT11 0BL, UK.
| | - Adam Porter
- University of Exeter, Peter Chalk Building, Stocker Rd, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- University of Exeter, Peter Chalk Building, Stocker Rd, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
| | - Frazer G Coomber
- University of Exeter, Peter Chalk Building, Stocker Rd, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK; Mammal Society, Black Horse Cottage, Milton Abbas, Blandford Forum, DT11 0BL, UK.
| | - Fiona Mathews
- Mammal Society, Black Horse Cottage, Milton Abbas, Blandford Forum, DT11 0BL, UK; School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, John Maynard Smith Building, BN1 9QG, UK.
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18
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Cordova MR, Iskandar MR, Muhtadi A, Saville R, Riani E. Spatio-temporal variation and seasonal dynamics of stranded beach anthropogenic debris on Indonesian beach from the results of nationwide monitoring. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 182:114035. [PMID: 35973247 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The first stranded macrodebris study on a national scale in Indonesia was conducted on 18 beaches from February 2018 to December 2019. The average weight and abundance of beach debris were higher between October and February (rainy season). The highest stranded macrodebris was located in Ambon, Manado, Takalar, and Padang. Plastic (46.38 %) was the most prevalent type of debris across all macrodebris categories, with single-use plastics such as plastic sachets, plastic bags, and plastic bottles being the dominant macroplastic debris (64.64 %). Based on CCI, HII, and BGI, 18 beaches are "moderately clean," with few hazardous items observed, and "Good." This anthropogenic macrodebris is thought to be more localized (55 %) than transboundary macrodebris. Litter control and environmental quality of this Indonesian coastal region should be improved through a proactive and flexible approach. Finally, extensive stranded beach debris monitoring is recommended to better understand the distribution of macrodebris in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Reza Cordova
- Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Republic of Indonesia, BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol, Jalan Pasir Putih I, Ancol Timur, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia.
| | - Mochamad Riza Iskandar
- Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Republic of Indonesia, BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol, Jalan Pasir Putih I, Ancol Timur, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia.
| | - Ahmad Muhtadi
- Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Jl. Prof. A. Sofyan No. 3, Medan 20215, Indonesia.
| | - Ramadhona Saville
- Laboratory of Management Informatics, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya Campus 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan.
| | - Etty Riani
- Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Bogor Agricultural University, Jl. Agatis Kampus IPB Darmaga, Bogor, Jawa Barat 16680, Indonesia.
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19
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Willis KA, Jones T, Cohen R, Burgess H, Lindsey J, Parrish J. Using long-term citizen science data to distinguish zones of debris accumulation. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 182:114028. [PMID: 35964430 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114028] [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: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Studies show that a driver of coastal debris is the rate between debris deposition and resuspension; however, the influence of beach zone topography on the distribution of debris remains poorly understood. Using five years of marine debris data collected by the COASST citizen science program, we explored the spatiotemporal trends in debris abundance within two regions of the United States Pacific Northwest and investigated whether higher debris loads are associated with beach zones that have a higher propensity to trap debris. We found that beaches with larger wood zones had higher debris loads, adding to the growing evidence that backshore areas of beaches act as sinks for debris. Higher debris loads were also associated with beaches that had larger wrack zones suggesting that onshore transport from the marine reservoir is a dominant source of debris. This study provides a long-term baseline of marine debris which managers could use to inform source reduction interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Willis
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart TAS, Australia.
| | - Timothy Jones
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Rachel Cohen
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Hillary Burgess
- Marine Debris Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, Seattle, WA, USA; Genwest Systems, Inc., Edmonds, WA, USA
| | - Jackie Lindsey
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Julia Parrish
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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20
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Social media shines light on the “hidden” impact of nighttime guided-gigging charters on Texas’ Southern Flounder fishery: A stab in the dark. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269397. [PMID: 35657921 PMCID: PMC9165888 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) populations are declining in the Gulf of Mexico basin. This is particularly true in Texas, where this unique and culturally important fishery has been in decline since the 1980s despite increasingly stringent regulatory measures. Current angler-intercept creel surveys used to estimate recreational flounder harvest levels are conducted during daylight hours and do not account for the high levels of nighttime flounder gigging (spearing) activity, a popular and efficient harvest method for this fishery. There are legitimate scientific and logistical concerns that have prevented the use of wide-spread nighttime creel surveys to monitor the flounder gigging fishery in the past, however this has made accurate catch and effort estimates difficult to obtain. Given the concern about this economically important fishery’s status, we adopted a unique approach utilizing social media to provide unprecedented information into this fishery’s impact during periods that are not traditionally monitored. Specifically, we reconstructed seasonal flounder harvest and effort metrics stemming from the nighttime recreational guided flounder gigging sector over 2.6 years using guided flounder gigging charter photo archives publicly available through Facebook. These metrics show large average client party sizes, large trip harvests, and near-perfect bag limit efficiencies. Temporal trends indicated peak recreational guided flounder gigging effort and harvest occurs during the summer months, a time not traditionally associated with flounder gigging. The addition of nighttime guided-gigging recreational harvest estimates from this study to traditional daytime harvest estimates and commercial harvest estimates resulted in total annual harvest estimates nearly two times greater than current estimates. Overall, this study demonstrates the high pressure guided-gigging charters are placing on Texas’ flounder fishery and illustrates the critical need for additional information on the nighttime recreational flounder fishery for both guided and private gigging anglers. Moreover, our results also demonstrate the usefulness of mining social media platforms to capture catch and effort data that are otherwise unavailable.
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21
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Aranda DA, Oxenford HA, Medina J, Delgado G, Díaz ME, Samano C, Escalante VC, Bardet M, Mouret E, Bouchon C. Widespread microplastic pollution across the Caribbean Sea confirmed using queen conch. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 178:113582. [PMID: 35398690 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113582] [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: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The Caribbean Sea is reported to have one of the highest levels of plastic pollution of any marine ecosystem. Much less is known about the levels of microplastics as an emerging pollutant in the marine environment, especially in the water column and benthic substrates where they can be easily ingested by marine organisms. This study was carried out to quantify marine microplastics in the Wider Caribbean using the mollusk, queen conch (Aliger gigas). We analyzed feces collected from queen conch, a non-lethal method of sampling, to investigate microplastic pollution in eleven sites across the Wider Caribbean. Microplastics were extracted by degradation of organic matter from feces with peroxide (30%) over 48 h. Microplastics were then analyzed by stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope. Microplastics were found to be present in the feces of all 175 queen conch sampled, and in statistically different abundances among sites, but with no obvious geographical pattern. The highest and lowest levels were found in Central America; the highest being in Belize (270 ± 55 microplastics/queen conch) and Alacranes, Mexico (203 ± 29 microplastics/queen conch), whilst the lowest levels were found in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. Fibers, mostly between 1000 and 1500 μm in size, were the most frequent microplastic particle types at every site and represented between 60 and 98% of all microplastic particles found. Our results suggest that the use of queen conch feces is a suitable method for detecting benthic microplastic pollution, and have confirmed that microplastic pollution of marine benthos is widespread across the Wider Caribbean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalila Aldana Aranda
- CINVESTAV IPN Unidad Mérida. km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso Cordemex, CP 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
| | - Hazel A Oxenford
- Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados
| | - Jairo Medina
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, sede Caribe, Vía San Luis Free Town No 52-44, San Andrés, Colombia
| | - Gabriel Delgado
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, 2796 Overseas Highway. Ste. 119, Marathon, FL 33050, USA
| | - Martha Enríquez Díaz
- CINVESTAV IPN Unidad Mérida. km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso Cordemex, CP 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Citlali Samano
- CINVESTAV IPN Unidad Mérida. km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso Cordemex, CP 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Víctor Castillo Escalante
- CINVESTAV IPN Unidad Mérida. km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso Cordemex, CP 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Marion Bardet
- CINVESTAV IPN Unidad Mérida. km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso Cordemex, CP 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico; Université des Antilles, UMR BOREA, Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", BP 592, 97159 Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe
| | - Eve Mouret
- CINVESTAV IPN Unidad Mérida. km. 6 Antigua Carretera a Progreso Cordemex, CP 97310 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico; Université des Antilles, UMR BOREA, Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", BP 592, 97159 Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe
| | - Claude Bouchon
- Université des Antilles, UMR BOREA, Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", BP 592, 97159 Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe
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22
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Kanhai LDK, Asmath H, Gobin JF. The status of marine debris/litter and plastic pollution in the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem (CLME): 1980-2020. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 300:118919. [PMID: 35114304 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118919] [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: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is one of several anthropogenic stressors putting pressure on ecosystems of the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem (CLME). A 'Clean Ocean' is one of the ambitious goals of the United Nations (UN) Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. If this is to be realized, it is imperative to build upon the work of the previous decades (1980-2020). The objectives of the present study were to assess the state of knowledge about: (i) the distribution, quantification, sources, transport and fate of marine debris/litter and microplastics in the coastal/marine environment of the CLME and, (ii) the effects of plastics on biodiversity. Snapshots, i.e., peer-reviewed studies and multi-year (1991-2020) marine debris data from International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) events, indicated that plastic debris was a persistent issue in multiple ecosystems and environmental compartments of the CLME. Collectively, a suite of approaches (debris categorization, remote sensing, particle tracking) indicated that plastic debris originated from a combination of land and marine-based sources, with the former more significant than the latter. Rivers were identified as an important means of transporting mismanaged land-based waste to the marine environment. Oceanic currents were important to the transport of plastic debris into, within and out of the region. Plastic debris posed a threat to the biodiversity of the CLME, with specific biological, physical, ecological and chemical effects being identified. Existing data can be used to inform interventions to mitigate the leakage of plastic waste to the marine environment. Given the persistent and transboundary nature of the issue, further elucidation of the problem, its causes and effects must be prioritized, while simultaneously harmonizing regional and international approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- La Daana K Kanhai
- Department of Life Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
| | - Hamish Asmath
- The Institute of Marine Affairs, Hilltop Lane, Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Judith F Gobin
- Department of Life Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
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McCoy KS, Huntington B, Kindinger TL, Morioka J, O'Brien K. Movement and retention of derelict fishing nets in Northwestern Hawaiian Island reefs. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113261. [PMID: 34959103 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113261] [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: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Derelict fishing nets pose hazards to marine systems as they travel through the ocean or become ensnared on coral reefs. Understanding of the movement of nets within shallow atolls can help to optimize operations to protect these shallow reefs. In 2018, six derelict fishing nets at Manawai (Pearl and Hermes Reef) in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands were tagged with satellite-transmitting buoys and tracked for three years. This study reveals that nets that enter the atoll from the northeast travel southwest towards the center of the atoll, and nets in the center can remain ensnared on the same reef for at least three years. This study shows that satellite buoys are a successful approach to tracking derelict net movement, and can inform future debris removal missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylyn S McCoy
- Ecosystem Sciences Division, Archipelagic Research Program, Pacific, Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Honolulu, HI, United States.
| | - Brittany Huntington
- Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Tye L Kindinger
- Ecosystem Sciences Division, Archipelagic Research Program, Pacific, Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - James Morioka
- Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Kevin O'Brien
- Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project, Honolulu, HI, United States
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24
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Grogan AE, Mallin MA, Cahoon LB. Investigation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) drinking bottles as marine reservoirs for fecal bacteria and phytoplankton. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113052. [PMID: 34872168 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113052] [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: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is frequently used in the food and beverage industry and therefore contributes greatly to plastic marine debris. The fecal pollution indicator bacteria Enterococcus is used for marine water contamination assessments and is regularly found in storm water discharge. In order to examine if PET drinking bottles act as refuges for Enterococcus, a study was conducted within euhaline tidal waters of Wrightsville Beach, NC, USA via the deployment of bottle floats positioned nearby two stormwater outfall pipes. Bottles were retrieved weekly to assess the accumulation of fecal bacteria and phytoplankton. Each bottle was analyzed for the presence of Enterococcus on plastic surfaces and within water inside the bottle. Abundance of Enterococcus and planktonic chlorophyll α was found to be significantly greater in association with PET bottles versus the surrounding waters. Bottles were observed to act as reservoirs for both Enterococcus and phytoplankton with concentrations well above the state, federal, and WHO standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Grogan
- Center for Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 5600 Marvin K. Moss Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409, USA; Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 S. College Rd., Wilmington, NC 28403, USA.
| | - Michael A Mallin
- Center for Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 5600 Marvin K. Moss Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409, USA.
| | - Lawrence B Cahoon
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 S. College Rd., Wilmington, NC 28403, USA.
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25
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Tudor DT, Williams AT. The effectiveness of legislative and voluntary strategies to prevent ocean plastic pollution: Lessons from the UK and South Pacific. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 172:112778. [PMID: 34371341 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112778] [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: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The islands of the South Pacific contribute a fraction of the mis-managed plastics in the world's ocean, yet the region is one of the main recipients of its impacts. Based on expert interviews and a review of current strategies to prevent marine plastic pollution in six countries (Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, United Kingdom), this paper identifies several interventions - legislative, financial, voluntary - which governments, organisations and individuals can learn from. Both voluntary and statutory consumer-based behaviour change campaigns are well developed and somewhat successful in several countries. While sub-national policies do not inhibit progress, they are not optimal. Harmonisation across the territories of federal and devolved systems is beneficial, such as container return schemes, levies, and bans. Vanuatu has displayed high ambition, and the challenges in achieving this serve as a case study. A coordinated global strategy with associated legislation aimed at tackling plastic pollution is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Tudor
- Winston Churchill Fellow, Pelagos, 50 Belmont Road, Bristol, UK; University of the West of England, Faculty of Environment and Technology, Bristol, UK.
| | - Allan T Williams
- Winston Churchill Fellow, Dept. of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, Trinity St David, University of Wales, Swansea, UK
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26
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Bucair N, Francini-Filho RB, Almerón-Souza F, Luiz OJ. Underestimated threats to manta rays in Brazil: Primacies to support conservation strategies. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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28
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Pelamatti T, Rios-Mendoza LM, Hoyos-Padilla EM, Galván-Magaña F, De Camillis R, Marmolejo-Rodríguez AJ, González-Armas R. Contamination knows no borders: Toxic organic compounds pollute plastics in the biodiversity hotspot of Revillagigedo Archipelago National Park, Mexico. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 170:112623. [PMID: 34146855 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112623] [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: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is ubiquitous and not even remote protected islands are safe from it. Floating debris can adsorb toxic compounds that concentrate on their surface, being available to the animals that ingest them. For this reason, a baseline study of plastic pollution was conducted in the remote Revillagigedo Archipelago, in the Mexican Pacific Ocean. In 47 manta net samples an average of 4.8 plastics/1000m2 was found, 73% of the pieces being <5 mm. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the most common polymers found. The chemical analysis of organic pollutants revealed that organochlorine pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls are adsorbed on the plastics collected in the area. Filter feeding megafauna such as humpback whales, manta rays and whale sharks could ingest contaminated micro and macroplastics. Plastics were found also on the beach, where they are available to the ingestion by terrestrial animals, including endemic species endangered to extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Pelamatti
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), Av. IPN s/n, Colonia Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico; Pelagios Kakunja A.C., Sinaloa 1540, Las Garzas, 23070 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
| | - Lorena M Rios-Mendoza
- University of Wisconsin-Superior, Department of Natural Sciences, Chemistry Program, Belknap and Catlin, PO Box 2000, Superior, WI 54880, USA
| | - Edgar M Hoyos-Padilla
- Pelagios Kakunja A.C., Sinaloa 1540, Las Garzas, 23070 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico; Fins Attached Marine Research and Conservation, Colorado Springs 80908, USA
| | - Felipe Galván-Magaña
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), Av. IPN s/n, Colonia Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | - Roberto De Camillis
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), Av. IPN s/n, Colonia Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | - Ana J Marmolejo-Rodríguez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), Av. IPN s/n, Colonia Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | - Rogelio González-Armas
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), Av. IPN s/n, Colonia Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096 La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
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29
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Otero P, Gago J, Quintas P. Twitter data analysis to assess the interest of citizens on the impact of marine plastic pollution. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 170:112620. [PMID: 34218034 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have mined social media platforms to assess environmental concerns. In this study, Twitter was scraped to obtain a ~140,000 tweet dataset related specifically to marine plastic pollution. The goal is to understand what kind of users profiles are tweeting and how and when they do it. In addition, topic modelling and graph theory techniques have allowed us to identify main concerns on this topic: i) impact on wildlife, ii) microplastics/water pollution, iii) estimates/reports, iv) legislation/protection, and v) recycling/cleaning initiatives. Results reveal a scarce influence of organizations involved in research and marine environmental awareness, so some guidelines are depicted that could help to adjust their communication plans. This is relevant to engage society through reliable information, change habits and reinforce sustainable behaviour. A visualization tool has been created to analyze the results over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Otero
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo (IEO, CSIC), Subida a Radio Faro, 50, 36390 Vigo, Spain.
| | - J Gago
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo (IEO, CSIC), Subida a Radio Faro, 50, 36390 Vigo, Spain
| | - P Quintas
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo (IEO, CSIC), Subida a Radio Faro, 50, 36390 Vigo, Spain
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30
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Rudd JL, Bartolomeu T, Dolton HR, Exeter OM, Kerry C, Hawkes LA, Henderson SM, Shirley M, Witt MJ. Basking shark sub-surface behaviour revealed by animal-towed cameras. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253388. [PMID: 34320007 PMCID: PMC8318306 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
While biologging tags have answered a wealth of ecological questions, the drivers and consequences of movement and activity often remain difficult to ascertain, particularly marine vertebrates which are difficult to observe directly. Basking sharks, the second largest shark species in the world, aggregate in the summer in key foraging sites but despite advances in biologging technologies, little is known about their breeding ecology and sub-surface behaviour. Advances in camera technologies holds potential for filling in these knowledge gaps by providing environmental context and validating behaviours recorded with conventional telemetry. Six basking sharks were tagged at their feeding site in the Sea of Hebrides, Scotland, with towed cameras combined with time-depth recorders and satellite telemetry. Cameras recorded a cumulative 123 hours of video data over an average 64-hour deployment and confirmed the position of the sharks within the water column. Feeding events only occurred within a metre depth and made up ¾ of the time spent swimming near the surface. Sharks maintained similar tail beat frequencies regardless of whether feeding, swimming near the surface or the seabed, where they spent surprisingly up to 88% of daylight hours. This study reported the first complete breaching event and the first sub-surface putative courtship display, with nose-to-tail chasing, parallel swimming as well as the first observation of grouping behaviour near the seabed. Social groups of sharks are thought to be very short term and sporadic, and may play a role in finding breeding partners, particularly in solitary sharks which may use aggregations as an opportunity to breed. In situ observation of basking sharks at their seasonal aggregation site through animal borne cameras revealed unprecedented insight into the social and environmental context of basking shark behaviour which were previously limited to surface observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Rudd
- Hatherly Laboratories, University of Exeter, College of Life & Environmental Sciences, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | | | - Haley R. Dolton
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, United Kingdom
| | - Owen M. Exeter
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Kerry
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy A. Hawkes
- Hatherly Laboratories, University of Exeter, College of Life & Environmental Sciences, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Matthew J. Witt
- Hatherly Laboratories, University of Exeter, College of Life & Environmental Sciences, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, United Kingdom
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31
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Özden Ö, Yıldırım S, Fuller WJ, Godley BJ. Anthropogenic marine litter on the north coast of Cyprus: Insights into marine pollution in the eastern Mediterranean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 165:112167. [PMID: 33610112 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The eastern Mediterranean is a region that has been relatively understudied with regards to anthropogenic marine litter despite potential for environmental and social costs. Here, coastal marine litter accumulation was assessed at eight beach locations along the coast of Northern Cyprus. Monthly surveys were performed between January 2017 and January 2019. All items ≥ 2.5 cm in diameter within the same 250 m2 plot were collected and processed. A total of 59,556 separate items were collected with a total mass of 697 kg. At the worst affected site (Ronnas Bay) litter accumulation averaged 1114 items and 11.9 kg per month. Plastic and polystyrene litter accounted for 82% (622.71 kg) of all litter types by mass and 96% (57,231) by frequency. Plastic bags, plastic pieces, drinks containers, caps/lids were the four most abundant forms of plastic by mass and by frequency. This suggests dumping/poor domestic waste governance as the main driver of marine litter in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özge Özden
- Near East University, Department of Landscape Architecture, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Sinem Yıldırım
- Near East University, Department of Landscape Architecture, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Wayne J Fuller
- Near East University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Brendan J Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK
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32
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Nelms SE, Alfaro-Shigueto J, Arnould JPY, Avila IC, Bengtson Nash S, Campbell E, Carter MID, Collins T, Currey RJC, Domit C, Franco-Trecu V, Fuentes MMPB, Gilman E, Harcourt RG, Hines EM, Hoelzel AR, Hooker SK, Johnston DW, Kelkar N, Kiszka JJ, Laidre KL, Mangel JC, Marsh H, Maxwell SM, Onoufriou AB, Palacios DM, Pierce GJ, Ponnampalam LS, Porter LJ, Russell DJF, Stockin KA, Sutaria D, Wambiji N, Weir CR, Wilson B, Godley BJ. Marine mammal conservation: over the horizon. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2021. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine mammals can play important ecological roles in aquatic ecosystems, and their presence can be key to community structure and function. Consequently, marine mammals are often considered indicators of ecosystem health and flagship species. Yet, historical population declines caused by exploitation, and additional current threats, such as climate change, fisheries bycatch, pollution and maritime development, continue to impact many marine mammal species, and at least 25% are classified as threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable) on the IUCN Red List. Conversely, some species have experienced population increases/recoveries in recent decades, reflecting management interventions, and are heralded as conservation successes. To continue these successes and reverse the downward trajectories of at-risk species, it is necessary to evaluate the threats faced by marine mammals and the conservation mechanisms available to address them. Additionally, there is a need to identify evidence-based priorities of both research and conservation needs across a range of settings and taxa. To that effect we: (1) outline the key threats to marine mammals and their impacts, identify the associated knowledge gaps and recommend actions needed; (2) discuss the merits and downfalls of established and emerging conservation mechanisms; (3) outline the application of research and monitoring techniques; and (4) highlight particular taxa/populations that are in urgent need of focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- SE Nelms
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - J Alfaro-Shigueto
- ProDelphinus, Jose Galvez 780e, Miraflores, Perú
- Facultad de Biologia Marina, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Perú
| | - JPY Arnould
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - IC Avila
- Grupo de Ecología Animal, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - S Bengtson Nash
- Environmental Futures Research Institute (EFRI), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - E Campbell
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
- ProDelphinus, Jose Galvez 780e, Miraflores, Perú
| | - MID Carter
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - T Collins
- Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460, USA
| | - RJC Currey
- Marine Stewardship Council, 1 Snow Hill, London, EC1A 2DH, UK
| | - C Domit
- Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation, Marine Study Center, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Brazil
| | - V Franco-Trecu
- Departamento de Ecología y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - MMPB Fuentes
- Marine Turtle Research, Ecology and Conservation Group, Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - E Gilman
- Pelagic Ecosystems Research Group, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - RG Harcourt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - EM Hines
- Estuary & Ocean Science Center, San Francisco State University, 3150 Paradise Dr. Tiburon, CA 94920, USA
| | - AR Hoelzel
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - SK Hooker
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - DW Johnston
- Duke Marine Lab, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - N Kelkar
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Royal Enclave, Srirampura, Jakkur PO, Bangalore 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - JJ Kiszka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Coastlines and Oceans Division, Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - KL Laidre
- Polar Science Center, APL, University of Washington, 1013 NE 40th Street, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - JC Mangel
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
- ProDelphinus, Jose Galvez 780e, Miraflores, Perú
| | - H Marsh
- James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 48111, Australia
| | - SM Maxwell
- School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, University of Washington Bothell, Bothell WA 98011, USA
| | - AB Onoufriou
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
- Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - DM Palacios
- Marine Mammal Institute, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University, Newport, OR, 97365, USA
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA
| | - GJ Pierce
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - LS Ponnampalam
- The MareCet Research Organization, 40460 Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - LJ Porter
- SMRU Hong Kong, University of St. Andrews, Hong Kong
| | - DJF Russell
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - KA Stockin
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - D Sutaria
- School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, University of Washington Bothell, Bothell WA 98011, USA
| | - N Wambiji
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P.O. Box 81651, Mombasa-80100, Kenya
| | - CR Weir
- Ketos Ecology, 4 Compton Road, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2BP, UK
| | - B Wilson
- Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QA, UK
| | - BJ Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
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33
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Gardiner JM, Wiley TR. Escaped bait: Bull shark Carcharhinus leucas with an intentionally attached harness rig. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 98:891-894. [PMID: 33219511 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14623] [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: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A 193 cm total length female bull shark Carcharhinus leucas was captured in Florida bearing intentionally attached materials which resembled a harness. Harness-type live bait rigs are commonly used for small baitfish; some anglers use such devices with small sharks when targeting large sharks and bony fish. Biofouling on the apparatus and the extent of the injuries indicated the material had likely been on the shark for several years. This case highlights the dangers of using these types of devices on juveniles of long-lived species that attain a large body size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayne M Gardiner
- Division of Natural Sciences, New College of Florida, Sarasota, Florida, USA
| | - Tonya R Wiley
- Havenworth Coastal Conservation, Palmetto, Florida, USA
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Nelms SE, Duncan EM, Patel S, Badola R, Bhola S, Chakma S, Chowdhury GW, Godley BJ, Haque AB, Johnson JA, Khatoon H, Kumar S, Napper IE, Niloy MNH, Akter T, Badola S, Dev A, Rawat S, Santillo D, Sarker S, Sharma E, Koldewey H. Riverine plastic pollution from fisheries: Insights from the Ganges River system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 756:143305. [PMID: 33199004 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear represents a substantial proportion of global marine plastic pollution and can cause significant environmental and socio-economic impacts. Yet little is known about its presence in, and implications for, freshwater ecosystems or its downstream contribution to plastic pollution in the ocean. This study documents fishing gear-related debris in one of the world's largest plastic pollution contributing river catchments, the Ganges. Riverbank surveys conducted along the length of the river, from the coast in Bangladesh to the Himalaya in India, show that derelict fishing gear density increases with proximity to the sea. Fishing nets were the main gear type by volume and all samples examined for polymer type were plastic. Illegal gear types and restricted net mesh sizes were also recorded. Socio-economic surveys of fisher communities explored the behavioural drivers of plastic waste input from one of the world's largest inland fisheries and revealed short gear lifespans and high turnover rates, lack of appropriate end-of-life gear disposal methods and ineffective fisheries regulations. A biodiversity threat assessment identified the air-breathing aquatic vertebrate species most at risk of entanglement in, and impacts from, derelict fishing gear; namely species of threatened freshwater turtle and otter, and the endangered Ganges river dolphin. This research demonstrates a need for targeted and practical interventions to limit the input of fisheries-related plastic pollution to this major river system and ultimately, the global ocean. The approach used in this study could be replicated to examine the inputs, socio-economic drivers and ecological impacts of this previously uncharacterised but important source of plastic pollution in other major rivers worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Nelms
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK; Centre for Circular Economy, University of Exeter, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK.
| | - Emily M Duncan
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - Surshti Patel
- Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Ruchi Badola
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani Road, Dehradun 248001, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sunanda Bhola
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani Road, Dehradun 248001, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Surfarsha Chakma
- Isabela Foundation, Road-15 (new), Dhanmondi-R/A, Dhaka 1209, Bangladesh
| | - Gawsia Wahidunnessa Chowdhury
- Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; WildTeam, 69/1 New Circular Road, Dhaka 1217, Bangladesh
| | - Brendan J Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - Alifa Bintha Haque
- Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; Nature-based Solutions Initiative, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| | | | - Hina Khatoon
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani Road, Dehradun 248001, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sumit Kumar
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani Road, Dehradun 248001, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Imogen E Napper
- International Marine Litter Research Unit, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | | | - Tanjila Akter
- Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Srishti Badola
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani Road, Dehradun 248001, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Aditi Dev
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani Road, Dehradun 248001, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sunita Rawat
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani Road, Dehradun 248001, Uttarakhand, India
| | - David Santillo
- Greenpeace Research Laboratories, Innovation Centre Phase 2, University of Exeter, Devon EX4 4RN, UK
| | - Subrata Sarker
- Department of Oceanography, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Ekta Sharma
- Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani Road, Dehradun 248001, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Heather Koldewey
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK; Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
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35
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Womersley F, Hancock J, Perry CT, Rowat D. Wound-healing capabilities of whale sharks ( Rhincodon typus) and implications for conservation management. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coaa120. [PMID: 33569175 PMCID: PMC7859907 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Wound healing is important for marine taxa such as elasmobranchs, which can incur a range of natural and anthropogenic wounds throughout their life history. There is evidence that this group shows a high capacity for external wound healing. However, anthropogenic wounds may become more frequent due to increasing commercial and recreational marine activities. Whale sharks are particularly at risk of attaining injuries given their use of surface waters and wildlife tourism interest. There is limited understanding as to how whale sharks recover from injuries, and often insights are confined to singular opportunistic observations. The present study makes use of a unique and valuable photographic data source from two whale shark aggregation sites in the Indian Ocean. Successional injury-healing progression cases were reviewed to investigate the characteristics of injuries and quantify a coarse healing timeframe. Wounds were measured over time using an image standardization method. This work shows that by Day 25 major injury surface area decreased by an average of 56% and the most rapid healing case showed a surface area reduction of 50% in 4 days. All wounds reached a point of 90% surface area closure by Day 35. There were differences in healing rate based on wound type, with lacerations and abrasions taking 50 and 22 days to reach 90% healing, respectively. This study provides baseline information for wound healing in whale sharks and the methods proposed could act as a foundation for future research. Use of a detailed classification system, as presented here, may also assist in ocean scale injury comparisons between research groups and aid reliable descriptive data. Such findings can contribute to discussions regarding appropriate management in aggregation areas with an aim to reduce the likelihood of injuries, such as those resulting from vessel collisions, in these regions or during movements between coastal waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya Womersley
- Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, UK
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
- Marine Conservation Society Seychelles, Mahé, PO Box 384, Seychelles
- Corresponding author: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, UK.
| | - James Hancock
- Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, Popeshead Court Offices, Peter Lane, York, Yorkshire, Y01 8SU, UK
| | - Cameron T Perry
- Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, Popeshead Court Offices, Peter Lane, York, Yorkshire, Y01 8SU, UK
| | - David Rowat
- Marine Conservation Society Seychelles, Mahé, PO Box 384, Seychelles
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36
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Litchfield SG, Schulz KG, Kelaher BP. The influence of plastic pollution and ocean change on detrital decomposition. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 158:111354. [PMID: 32753168 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution and ocean change have mostly been assessed separately, missing potential interactions that either enhance or reduce future impacts on ecosystem processes. Here, we used manipulative experiments with outdoor mesocosms to test hypotheses about the interactive effects of plastic pollution, ocean warming and acidification on macrophyte detrital decomposition. These experiments focused on detritus from kelp, Ecklonia radiata, and eelgrass, Zostera muelleri, and included crossed treatments of (i) no, low and high plastic pollution, (ii) current/future ocean temperatures, and (iii) ambient/future ocean partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2). High levels of plastic pollution significantly reduced the decomposition rate of kelp and eelgrass by approximately 27% and 36% in comparison to controls respectively. Plastic pollution also significantly slowed the nitrogen liberation from seagrass and kelp detritus. Higher seawater temperatures significantly increased the decomposition rate of kelp and eelgrass by 12% and 5% over current conditions, respectively. Higher seawater temperatures were also found to reduce the nitrogen liberation in eelgrass. In contrast, ocean acidification did not significantly influence the rate of macrophyte decomposition or nutrient liberation. Overall, our results show how detrital processes might respond to increasing plastic pollution and ocean temperatures, which has implications for detrital-driven secondary productivity, nutrient dynamics and carbon cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian G Litchfield
- National Marine Science Centre and Marine Ecology Research Centre, Southern Cross University, PO Box 4321, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia.
| | - Kai G Schulz
- Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry and School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, East Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
| | - Brendan P Kelaher
- National Marine Science Centre and Marine Ecology Research Centre, Southern Cross University, PO Box 4321, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia
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37
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Buckingham J, Capper A, Bell M. The missing sink - quantification, categorisation and sourcing of beached macro-debris in the Scottish Orkney Islands. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 157:111364. [PMID: 32658709 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111364] [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: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Around the coastline of the UK, macro-debris has been observed in average densities of over 700 items per metre. Systematic beach-cleans were conducted at 35 sites around the Scottish Orkney Islands, in order to quantify and categorise the level of marine debris found there. Litter was collected from 100 m transects and categorised by its material, broad source (terrestrial or marine) and potential sector source. Variation between sites, and the relative contribution of pre-determined environmental variables in influencing said variation, were analysed using the "capscale" function for a canonical analysis of principle coordinates (CAP). 513 items/m were observed, (77% plastic), with "String/cord (<1cm diameter)" being the most abundant and widely distributed litter type. 47% of macro-debris was attributed to the fishing sector and < 10% to leisure, living and tourism-associated activities. Conversely, the unique regional hydrodynamics must be examined further, before the source of any given item can be categorically assigned.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Buckingham
- Heriot- Watt University, International Centre for Island Technology, Stromness, Orkney KW16 3AW, Scotland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - A Capper
- Heriot- Watt University, International Centre for Island Technology, Stromness, Orkney KW16 3AW, Scotland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Central Queensland University, Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre, Gladstone, QLD 4680, Australia
| | - M Bell
- Heriot- Watt University, International Centre for Island Technology, Stromness, Orkney KW16 3AW, Scotland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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38
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Parton KJ, Godley BJ, Santillo D, Tausif M, Omeyer LCM, Galloway TS. Investigating the presence of microplastics in demersal sharks of the North-East Atlantic. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12204. [PMID: 32699221 PMCID: PMC7376218 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68680-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is ubiquitous in the marine environment and is ingested by numerous marine species. Sharks are an understudied group regarding their susceptibility to microplastic ingestion. Here, we provide evidence of ingestion of microplastic and other anthropogenic fibres in four demersal sharks species found in the waters of the United Kingdom and investigate whether body burdens of contamination vary according to species, sex or size. Sharks were collected from the North-East Atlantic. Stomachs and digestive tracts of 46 sharks of 4 species were examined and 67% of samples contained at least one contaminant particle. Although we acknowledge modest sample size, estimated particle burden increased with body size but did not vary systematically with sex or species. A total of 379 particles were identified, leading to median estimates ranging from 2 to 7.5 ingested contaminants per animal for the 4 species. The majority were fibrous in nature (95%) and blue (88%) or black (9%) in colour. A subsample of contaminants (N = 62) were subject to FT-IR spectroscopy and polymers identified as: synthetic cellulose (33.3%), polypropylene (25%), polyacrylamides (10%) and polyester (8.3%). The level of risk posed to shark species by this level of contamination is unknown. Nevertheless, this study presents the first empirical evidence and an important baseline for ingestion of microplastics and other anthropogenic fibres in native UK shark species and highlights the pervasive nature of these pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian J Parton
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9EZ, UK.
| | - Brendan J Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - David Santillo
- Greenpeace Research Laboratories, School of Biosciences, Innovation Centre Phase 2, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Muhammad Tausif
- Textile Technology Research Group, School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Lucy C M Omeyer
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QD, UK
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39
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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: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.8] [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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