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Ogawa M, Mitani Y. Distribution and composition of floating marine debris in Shiretoko peninsula, Japan, using opportunistic sighting survey. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116266. [PMID: 38522339 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116266] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Floating marine debris (FMD) poses several threats to marine species, such as entanglement, ingestion, and the transport of pollutants. The Shiretoko Peninsula, located in northern Japan, is a registered World Natural Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot. However, FMD has not yet been thoroughly investigated in this region. In 2022, sighting surveys were conducted in Abashiri (west side of the peninsula) and Rausu (east side) to assess the abundance, composition, and distribution of FMD. The mean densities were notably higher in Abashiri, and there was more fishing-related debris in Rausu. Regarding local human activities, the population and number of tourists are higher in Abashiri, and fishing activities are higher in Rausu. While marine pollution is a global issue, our study suggests that addressing it should commence with community-based management at the local level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Ogawa
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, 20-5 Benten-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0051, Japan.
| | - Yoko Mitani
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, 2-24, Tanaka-Sekiden-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8203, Japan.
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2
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Frenkel C, Eadie M, Murphy A, Iacarella JC, Ban NC. Why, and where, is commercial fishing gear lost? A global review and case study of Pacific Canada. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115528. [PMID: 37757530 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115528] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Derelict fishing gear is a global problem, damaging marine ecosystems via habitat degradation and trapping marine life, thereby impacting fisheries. We conducted a global review of reasons for commercial gear loss, and used the findings to design a survey focused on coastal British Columbia (BC), Canada. We conducted dockside and on-line surveys of commercial fishers to record their experiences with lost gear across net, line, and trap gear types. The most common reasons for gear loss from the global review were interactions with other fishing vessels and their gear, marine weather, and snagging on submerged features. Survey results of 29 fishers in BC indicated that snagging gear on rough substrate was the most important reason for loss across all gear categories, followed by seafloor type. Other reasons for gear loss varied by net, line, and trap gear type. Understanding reasons for gear loss is important to reduce losses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Frenkel
- University of Victoria, School of Environmental Studies, David Turpin Building, B-Wing, B264, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada.
| | - Megan Eadie
- T Buck Suzuki Environmental Foundation, 301-3450 Uptown Blvd, Victoria, BC, V8Z 0B9, Canada
| | - Adrienne Murphy
- T Buck Suzuki Environmental Foundation, 301-3450 Uptown Blvd, Victoria, BC, V8Z 0B9, Canada
| | - Josephine C Iacarella
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ecosystem Sciences Division, Institute of Ocean Sciences, 9860 West Saanich Road, Sidney, BC, V8L 4B2, Canada
| | - Natalie C Ban
- University of Victoria, School of Environmental Studies, David Turpin Building, B-Wing, B250, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
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3
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Zhu C, Kanaya Y. Eliminating the interference of water for direct sensing of submerged plastics using hyperspectral near-infrared imager. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15991. [PMID: 37803029 PMCID: PMC10558484 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39754-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Interference from water in the reflectance spectra of plastics is a major obstacle to optical sensing of plastics in aquatic environments. Here we present evidence of the feasibility of sensing plastics in water using hyperspectral near-infrared to shortwave-infrared imaging techniques. We captured hyperspectral images of nine polymers submerged to four depths (2.5-15 mm) in water using a hyperspectral imaging system that utilizes near-infrared to shortwave-infrared light sources. We also developed algorithms to predict the reflectance spectra of each polymer in water using the spectra of the dry plastics and water as independent variables in a multiple linear regression model after a logarithmic transformation. A narrow 1100-1300 nm wavelength range was advantageous for detection of polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride in water down to the 160-320 µm size range, while a wider 970-1670 nm wavelength range was beneficial for polypropylene reflectance spectrum prediction in water. Furthermore, we found that the spectra of the other five polymers, comprising polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, phenol formaldehyde, polyacetal, and polymethyl methacrylate, could also be predicted within their respective optimized wavelength ranges. Our findings provide fundamental information for direct sensing of plastics in water on both benchtop and airborne platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmao Zhu
- Research Institute for Global Change, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Yokohama, Kanagawa, 2360001, Japan.
| | - Yugo Kanaya
- Research Institute for Global Change, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Yokohama, Kanagawa, 2360001, Japan
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4
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Nama S, Shanmughan A, Nayak BB, Bhushan S, Ramteke K. Impacts of marine debris on coral reef ecosystem: A review for conservation and ecological monitoring of the coral reef ecosystem. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 189:114755. [PMID: 36905864 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114755] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs are the most spectacular underwater creation of nature. It enhances ecosystem functioning and marine biodiversity while also ensuring the livelihood of millions of coastal communities worldwide. Unfortunately, marine debris poses a serious threat to ecologically sensitive reef habitats and their associated organisms. Over the past decade, marine debris has been regarded as a major anthropogenic threat to marine ecosystems and gained scientific attention around the globe. However, the sources, types, abundance, distribution, and potential consequences of marine debris on reef ecosystems are hardly known. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the current status of marine debris in various reef ecosystems across the world, with special emphasis on its sources, abundance, distribution, species impacted, major categories, potential impacts and management strategies. Furthermore, the adhesion mechanisms of microplastics to coral polyps, diseases caused by microplastics and are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Nama
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India.
| | - Ashna Shanmughan
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Binaya Bhusan Nayak
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Shashi Bhushan
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Karankumar Ramteke
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
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5
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Raudino HC, Bouchet PJ, Douglas C, Douglas R, Waples K. Aerial abundance estimates for two sympatric dolphin species at a regional scale using distance sampling and density surface modeling. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.1086686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Monitoring wildlife populations over scales relevant to management is critical to supporting conservation decision-making in the face of data deficiency, particularly for rare species occurring across large geographic ranges. The Pilbara region of Western Australia is home to two sympatric and morphologically similar species of coastal dolphins—the Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) and Australian humpback dolphin (Sousa sahulensis)—both of which are believed to be declining in numbers and facing increasing pressures from the combined impacts of environmental change and extensive industrial activities. The aim of this study was to develop spatially explicit models of bottlenose and humpback dolphin abundance in Pilbara waters that could inform decisions about coastal development at a regional scale. Aerial line transect surveys were flown from a fixed-wing aircraft in the austral winters of 2015, 2016, and 2017 across a total area of 33,420 km2. Spatio-temporal patterns in dolphin density were quantified using a density surface modeling (DSM) approach, accounting for imperfect detection as well as both perception and availability bias. We estimated the abundance of bottlenose dolphins at 3,713 (95% CI = 2,679–5,146; average density of 0.189 ± 0.046 SD individuals per km2) in 2015, 2,638 (95% CI = 1,670–4,168; 0.159 ± 0.135 individuals per km2) in 2016 and 1,635 (95% CI = 1,031–2,593; 0.101 ± 0.103 individuals per km2) in 2017. Too few humpback dolphins were detected in 2015 to model abundance, but their estimated abundance was 1,546 (95% CI = 942–2,537; 0.097 ± 0.03 individuals per km2) and 2,690 (95% CI = 1,792–4,038; 0.169 ± 0.064 individuals per km2) in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Dolphin densities were greatest in nearshore waters, with hotspots in Exmouth Gulf, the Dampier Archipelago, and Great Sandy Islands. Our results provide a benchmark on which future risk assessments can be based to better understand the overlap between pressures and important dolphin habitats in tropical northwestern Australia.
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6
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Liu M, Lin M, Huang X, Yang Z, Caruso F, Baini M, Bocconcelli A, Rosso M, Li S. Floating macro-litter pollution in the northern South China Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120527. [PMID: 36334777 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter pollution, particularly plastics pollution, is an increasing global concern. While various studies have contributed useful information on this topic, there has been a scarcity of data on floating marine macro-litter (FMML) in poorly monitored areas such as the South China Sea (SCS). This paper describes a large-scale FMML assessment research in the northern SCS. Our data indicated the ubiquitous presence, abundant quantity, spatiotemporal variability, complex composition, and potential sources of FMML in the investigated region during boreal spring-summer periods over multiple years. According to observer-based records, the average FMML density was estimated to be 131.0 ± 91.8 items/km2 (mean ± SD), with anthropogenic FMML density of 118.7 ± 86.2 items/km2. Anthropogenic and natural items accounted for 90.6% and 5.5% of the total, respectively. Plastics (72.0%) and styrofoam (9.3%) dominated the recorded items. The great majority of items (92.1%) were characterized by small size of ≤20 cm. Labels of plastic bottle/packaging litter indicated that identifiable sources included surrounding countries of the SCS. Fishing activities were recognized as key sources of FMML, with 15.3% of FMML items likely being fishing-related. Globally, known estimates of FMML densities could vary from 0.002 to 578 items/km2, with plastics accounting for 34.8-99.0%. Therefore, marine pollution from anthropogenic FMML in our investigated area ranked at a medium-to-high level around the globe. To conclude, this study demonstrated that the SCS is one of the world's hotspot areas with FMML pollution and sheds light on marine litter pollution, especially plastics pollution, in this intensively human-exploited but poorly monitored region. In future research, FMML pollution in other sections of SCS and possible negative impacts of FMML on marine ecosystems and megafauna should be further examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Liu
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Mingli Lin
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Xiaoyu Huang
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zixin Yang
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, China
| | - Francesco Caruso
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, China; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Naples, 80121, Italy
| | - Matteo Baini
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bocconcelli
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, China; Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
| | - Massimiliano Rosso
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, China; CIMA Research Foundation, Savona, 17100, Italy
| | - Songhai Li
- Marine Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China.
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7
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Abreo NAS, Aurelio RM, Kobayashi VB, Thompson KF. 'Eye in the sky': Off-the-shelf unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) highlights exposure of marine turtles to floating litter (FML) in nearshore waters of Mayo Bay, Philippines. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114489. [PMID: 36549238 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114489] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Litter is a serious threat to the marine environment, with detrimental effects on wildlife and marine biodiversity. Limited data as a result of funding and logistical challenges in developing countries hamper our understanding of the problem. Here, we employed commercial unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as a cost-effective tool to study the exposure of marine turtles to floating marine litter (FML) in waters of Mayo Bay, Philippines. A quadcopter UAV was flown autonomously with on-board camera capturing videos during the flight. Still frames were extracted when either turtle or litter were detected in post-flight processing. The extracted frames were georeferenced and mapped using QGIS software. Results showed that turtles are highly exposed to FML in nearshore waters. Moreover, spatial dependence between FML and turtles was also observed. The study highlights the effectiveness of UAVs in marine litter research and underscores the threat of FML to turtles in nearshore waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Angelo S Abreo
- Marine Litter Project, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory - Environmental Studies Group, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Philippines; Institute of Advanced Studies, Davao del Norte State College, Panabo City, Philippines.
| | - Remie M Aurelio
- Center for the Advancement of Research in Mindanao, Office of Research, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Philippines
| | - Vladimer B Kobayashi
- Marine Litter Project, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory - Environmental Studies Group, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Philippines; Department of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science, College of Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Philippines
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8
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Plastic ingestion in Asian elephants in the forested landscapes of Uttarakhand, India. J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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9
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Eisfeld-Pierantonio SM, Pierantonio N, Simmonds MP. The impact of marine debris on cetaceans with consideration of plastics generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 300:118967. [PMID: 35134431 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of human-derived debris in the oceans is a global concern and a serious threat to marine wildlife. There is a volume of evidence that points to deleterious effects of marine debris (MD) on cetaceans in terms of both entanglement and ingestion. This review suggests that about 68% of cetacean species are affected by interacting with MD with an increase in the number of species reported to have interacted with it over the past decades. Despite the growing body of evidence, there is an ongoing debate on the actual effects of plastics on cetaceans and, in particular, with reference to the ingestion of microplastics and their potential toxicological and pathogenic effects. Current knowledge suggests that the observed differences in the rate and nature of interactions with plastics are the result of substantial differences in species-specific diving and feeding strategies. Existing projections on the production, use and disposal of plastics suggest a further increase of marine plastic pollution. In this context, the contribution of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to marine plastic pollution appears to be substantial, with potentially serious consequences for marine life including cetaceans. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic offers an opportunity to investigate the direct links between industry, human behaviours and the effects of MD on cetaceans. This could help inform management, prevention efforts, describe knowledge gaps and guide advancements in research efforts. This review highlights the lack of assessments of population-level effects related to MD and suggests that these could be rather immediate for small populations already under pressure from other anthropogenic activities. Finally, we suggest that MD is not only a pollution, economic and social issue, but also a welfare concern for the species and populations involved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nino Pierantonio
- Tethys Research Institute, Viale G. B. Gadio 2, 20121, Milano, Italy.
| | - Mark P Simmonds
- Bristol Veterinary School Langford House, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU, UK; OceanCare, PO Box 372, 8820, Wadenswill, Switzerland.
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10
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Campbell E, Alfaro-Shigueto J, Aliaga-Rossel E, Beasley I, Briceño Y, Caballero S, da Silva VMF, Gilleman C, Gravena W, Hines E, Shahnawaz Khan M, Khan U, Kreb D, Mangel JC, Marmontel M, Mei Z, Mintzer VJ, Mosquera-Guerra F, Oliveira-da_Costa MO, Paschoalini Frias M, Paudel S, Sinha RK, Smith BD, Turvey ST, Utreras V, Van Damme PA, Wang D, Sayuri Whitty T, Thurstan RH, Godley BJ. Challenges and priorities for river cetacean conservation. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2022. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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11
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Teboul E, Orihel DM, Provencher JF, Drever MC, Wilson L, Harrison AL. Chemical identification of microplastics ingested by Red Phalaropes (Phalaropus fulicarius) using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 171:112640. [PMID: 34245993 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112640] [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: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Chemical characterization of plastics ingested by wildlife helps identify sources of plastic pollution in nature and informs assessments of exposure risk to contaminants. In 2016, Red Phalaropes (Phalaropus fulicarius) were found dead on the north coast of British Columbia, Canada, during their southward migration. Previously, ingested particles suspected to be plastics were reported upon gut examination in all carcasses collected, which likely contributed to mortality. Here, we provide chemical identification of the ingested particles using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Polymer identification was successful for 41 of the 52 analysed particles (79%): 41 (79%) were confirmed as plastics, 6 (11%) were not plastics, and 5 (10%) could not be identified. The most commonly ingested plastics were polyethylene (42%) and polypropylene (23%), both of which are known to float in the marine environment. Our study highlights the vulnerability of surface foraging seabirds to plastic pollution in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloïse Teboul
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Diane M Orihel
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mark C Drever
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Delta, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Laurie Wilson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Delta, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anna L Harrison
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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12
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Keen EM, Pilkington J, O’Mahony É, Thompson KL, Hendricks B, Robinson N, Dundas A, Nichol L, Alidina HM, Meuter H, Picard CR, Wray J. Fin whales of the Great Bear Rainforest: Balaenoptera physalus velifera in a Canadian Pacific fjord system. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256815. [PMID: 34478477 PMCID: PMC8415578 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) are widely considered an offshore and oceanic species, but certain populations also use coastal areas and semi-enclosed seas. Based upon fifteen years of study, we report that Canadian Pacific fin whales (B. p. velifera) have returned to the Kitimat Fjord System (KFS) in the Great Bear Rainforest, and have established a seasonally resident population in its intracoastal waters. This is the only fjord system along this coast or elsewhere in which fin whales are known to occur regularly with strong site fidelity. The KFS was also the only Canadian Pacific fjord system in which fin whales were commonly found and killed during commercial whaling, pointing to its long-term importance. Traditional knowledge, whaling records, and citizen science databases suggest that fin whales were extirpated from this area prior to their return in 2005-2006. Visual surveys and mark-recapture analysis documented their repopulation of the area, with 100-120 whales using the fjord system in recent years, as well as the establishment of a seasonally resident population with annual return rates higher than 70%. Line transect surveys identified the central and outer channels of the KFS as the primary fin whale habitat, with the greatest densities occurring in Squally Channel and Caamaño Sound. Fin whales were observed in the KFS in most months of the year. Vessel- and shore-based surveys (27,311 km and 6,572 hours of effort, respectively) indicated regular fin whale presence (2,542 detections), including mother-calf pairs, from June to October and peak abundance in late August-early September. Seasonal patterns were variable year-to-year, and several lines of evidence indicated that fin whales arrived and departed from the KFS repeatedly throughout the summer and fall. Additionally, we report on the population's social network and morphometrics. These findings offer insights into the dynamics of population recovery in an area where several marine shipping projects are proposed. The fin whales of the Great Bear Rainforest represent a rare exception to general patterns in this species' natural history, and we highlight the importance of their conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M. Keen
- North Coast Cetacean Society, Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada
- Environmental Studies, Sewanee: The University of the South, Sewanee, TN, United States of America
- Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - James Pilkington
- Pacific Biological Station, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Éadin O’Mahony
- North Coast Cetacean Society, Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada
- Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Kim-Ly Thompson
- Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Benjamin Hendricks
- North Coast Cetacean Society, Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada
- SoundSpace Analytics, Cumberland, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicole Robinson
- Gitga’at Oceans and Lands Department, Hartley Bay, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Archie Dundas
- Gitga’at Oceans and Lands Department, Hartley Bay, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Linda Nichol
- Pacific Biological Station, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Hermann Meuter
- Pacific Whale Society, Hartley Bay, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Chris R. Picard
- Gitga’at Oceans and Lands Department, Hartley Bay, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Janie Wray
- North Coast Cetacean Society, Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada
- Pacific Orca Society, Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada
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13
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Sá S, Bastos-Santos J, Araújo H, Pereira AT, Ferreira M, Sarmento P, Vingada J, Eira C. Floating marine litter and their risks to cetaceans off Portugal. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 170:112603. [PMID: 34126442 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112603] [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: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Floating Dangerous Debris For Cetaceans (DDFC) and cetacean abundances were assessed by shipboard visual surveys off continental Portugal. Plastic litter (other than fishing gear) was the most abundant category, corresponding to 56.53% of the total recorded DDFC. Areas of DDFC and cetacean potential overlap suggest that cetaceans are generally exposed to DDFC at different risk levels within the study area. The highest concentration areas of DDFC and cetaceans did not overlap, whereas lower DDFC concentration areas (70% kernel probability contour) overlapped with 45% of the distribution area obtained for cetaceans. Future marine litter management measures (prevention or mitigation) should be focused on the predicted high DDFC-cetacean interaction risk area in the central region of the study. DDFC are representative of the overall floating litter distribution and future floating litter assessments could be based on DDFC categories alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sá
- Department of Biology & CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; ECOMARE, Universidade de Aveiro, Estrada do Porto de Pesca Costeira, 3830-565 Gafanha da Nazaré, Portugal.
| | - Jorge Bastos-Santos
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Estação de Campo de Quiaios, Casa da Guarda Florestal Sul, Rua das Matas Nacionais, 3080-530 Quiaios, Portugal
| | - Hélder Araújo
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Estação de Campo de Quiaios, Casa da Guarda Florestal Sul, Rua das Matas Nacionais, 3080-530 Quiaios, Portugal
| | - Andreia Torres Pereira
- Department of Biology & CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; ECOMARE, Universidade de Aveiro, Estrada do Porto de Pesca Costeira, 3830-565 Gafanha da Nazaré, Portugal
| | - Marisa Ferreira
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Estação de Campo de Quiaios, Casa da Guarda Florestal Sul, Rua das Matas Nacionais, 3080-530 Quiaios, Portugal
| | - Pedro Sarmento
- Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas, Centro Polivalente de Divulgação da Casa do Lanternim, 7750-350 Mértola, Portugal
| | - José Vingada
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Estação de Campo de Quiaios, Casa da Guarda Florestal Sul, Rua das Matas Nacionais, 3080-530 Quiaios, Portugal
| | - Catarina Eira
- Department of Biology & CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; ECOMARE, Universidade de Aveiro, Estrada do Porto de Pesca Costeira, 3830-565 Gafanha da Nazaré, Portugal
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Ruberg EJ, Elliott JE, Williams TD. Review of petroleum toxicity and identifying common endpoints for future research on diluted bitumen toxicity in marine mammals. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2021; 30:537-551. [PMID: 33761025 PMCID: PMC8060214 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-021-02373-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Large volumes of conventional crude oil continue to be shipped by sea from production to consumption areas across the globe. In addition, unconventional petroleum products also transverse pelagic habitats; for example, diluted bitumen from Canada's oilsands which is shipped along the Pacific coast to the United States and Asia. Therefore, there is a continuing need to assess the toxicological consequences of chronic and catastrophic petroleum spillage on marine wildlife. Peer-reviewed literature on the toxicity of unconventional petroleum such as diluted bitumen exists for teleost fish, but not for fauna such as marine mammals. In order to inform research needs for unconventional petroleum toxicity we conducted a comprehensive literature review of conventional petroleum toxicity on marine mammals. The common endpoints observed in conventional crude oil exposures and oil spills include hematological injury, modulation of immune function and organ weight, genotoxicity, eye irritation, neurotoxicity, lung disease, adrenal dysfunction, metabolic and clinical abnormalities related to oiling of the pelage, behavioural impacts, decreased reproductive success, mortality, and population-level declines. Based on our findings and the body of literature we accessed, our recommendations for future research include: 1) improved baseline data on PAH and metals exposure in marine mammals, 2) improved pre- and post-spill data on marine mammal populations, 3) the use of surrogate mammalian models for petroleum toxicity testing, and 4) the need for empirical data on the toxicity of unconventional petroleum to marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Ruberg
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - J E Elliott
- Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, BC, Canada.
| | - T D Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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15
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Pogojeva M, Zhdanov I, Berezina A, Lapenkov A, Kosmach D, Osadchiev A, Hanke G, Semiletov I, Yakushev E. Distribution of floating marine macro-litter in relation to oceanographic characteristics in the Russian Arctic Seas. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 166:112201. [PMID: 33714775 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112201] [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: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The main objectives of this work were the acquisition of new data on floating marine macro litter (FMML) and natural floating objects in the Arctic seas, an initial assessment of the level of pollution by FMML and an analysis of potential sources. The results of this study present the first data on FMML distribution in Russian Arctic shelf seas in relation to oceanographic conditions (i.e. position of water masses of different origin as described by temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and pH). The main finding of this study is that FMML was found only in the water of Atlantic origin, inflowing from the Barents Sea, where FMML average density on the observed transects was 0.92 items/ km2. Eastern parts of the study, Kara Sea, Laptev Sea and East Siberian Sea were practically free from FMML. No input from rivers was detected, at least in autumn, when the observations were performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pogojeva
- Shirshov Institute of Oceanology RAS, Moscow, Russia; N.N.Zubov State Oceanographic Institute, Roshydromet, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Igor Zhdanov
- Shirshov Institute of Oceanology RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anfisa Berezina
- Shirshov Institute of Oceanology RAS, Moscow, Russia; St.Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Denis Kosmach
- V.I. Il'ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute FEB RAS, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Alexander Osadchiev
- Shirshov Institute of Oceanology RAS, Moscow, Russia; Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Georg Hanke
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
| | - Igor Semiletov
- V.I. Il'ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute FEB RAS, Vladivostok, Russia; Institute of Ecology, Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia; Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Evgeniy Yakushev
- Shirshov Institute of Oceanology RAS, Moscow, Russia; Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway.
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16
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The plastic waste problem in Malaysia: management, recycling and disposal of local and global plastic waste. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-021-04234-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractPlastic waste is one of the world’s most pressing human health and environmental concerns. Plastic constitutes the third highest waste source globally, with the total volume of plastic waste growing in-line with increases in the global population and per capita consumption. Malaysia is tracking global trends in both the overall generation of plastic waste and the consumption of single-use plastics and since 2017 has been the world’s largest importer of plastic waste. These elements create a number of major challenges for the country’s waste management system. This review outlines the current state of plastic waste production and management in Malaysia, including options for landfill, recycling and incineration. It presents information on the scale and both the human and ecological risks of plastic waste in the country (i.e. microplastics, landfill, incineration), outlines key plastic waste management policy initiatives (including plastics alternatives such as biodegradable plastics) and highlights key constraints on the success of these. Significant internal constraints stem from the inconsistent application of policy initiatives by state governments, in addition to the lack of public awareness and interest in household recycling. The paper closes by discussing options for and constraints on the switch to biodegradable alternatives and proposes a model of plastic management based on a circular economy approach and solid waste management hierarchy. Success in reducing the problems posed by plastic in Malaysia will require sustained effort at many levels, but positive experiences in other countries give some cause for optimism.
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17
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Audrézet F, Zaiko A, Lear G, Wood SA, Tremblay LA, Pochon X. Biosecurity implications of drifting marine plastic debris: Current knowledge and future research. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 162:111835. [PMID: 33220912 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The introduction and spread of marine non-indigenous species (NIS) and pathogens into new habitats are a major threat to biodiversity, ecosystem services, human health, and can have substantial economic consequences. Shipping is considered the main vector for marine biological invasions; less well understood is the increased spread of marine NIS and pathogens rafting on marine plastic debris (MPD). Despite an increasing research interest and recent progress in characterizing the plastisphere, this manuscript highlights critical knowledge gaps and research priorities towards a better understanding of the biosecurity implications of MPD. We advocate for future research to (i) investigate plastisphere community succession and the factors influencing NIS propagules and pathogens recruitment through robust experimental investigations; (ii) combine microscopy and molecular approaches to effectively assess the presence of specific taxa; (iii) include additional genetic markers to thoroughly characterize the biodiversity associated with MPD and explore the presence of specific marine pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Audrézet
- Coastal and Freshwater Group, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand; Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Anastasija Zaiko
- Coastal and Freshwater Group, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand; Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gavin Lear
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Susanna A Wood
- Coastal and Freshwater Group, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand
| | - Louis A Tremblay
- Coastal and Freshwater Group, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand; School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Xavier Pochon
- Coastal and Freshwater Group, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand; Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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18
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Turner A. Foamed Polystyrene in the Marine Environment: Sources, Additives, Transport, Behavior, and Impacts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:10411-10420. [PMID: 32786582 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c03221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Foamed polystyrene (PS) that may be either expanded (EPS) or extruded (XPS) is a rigid, lightweight insulating thermoplastic that has a variety of uses in the consumer, packaging, construction, and marine sectors. The properties of the material also result in waste that is readily generated, dispersed, and fragmented in the environment. This review focuses on foamed PS in the marine setting, including its sources, transport, degradation, acquisition of contaminants, ingestion by animals, and biological impacts arising from the mobilization of chemical additives. In the ocean, foamed PS is subject to wind-assisted transport and fracturing via photolytic degradation. The material may also act as a substrate for rafting organisms while being exposed to elevated concentrations of natural and anthropogenic surface-active chemicals in the sea surface microlayer. In the littoral setting, fragmentation is accentuated by milling in the swash zone and abrasion when beached, with wind transport leading to the temporary burial of significant quantities of material. Ingestion of EPS and XPS has been documented for a variety of marine animals, but principally those that feed at the sea surface or use the material as a habitat. As well as risking injuries due to gastro-intestinal blockage, ingestion of foamed PS exposes animals to harmful chemicals, and of greatest concern in this respect is the presence of the historical, but still recycled, flame-retardant, hexabromocyclododecane. Because foamed PS is particularly difficult to retrieve as a constituent of marine litter, means of reducing its presence and impacts will rely on the elimination of processes that generate foamed waste, modification of current storage and disposal practices, and the development of more durable and sustainable alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Turner
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Plymouth Plymouth PL4 8AA, U.K
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19
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Chiu CC, Liao CP, Kuo TC, Huang HW. Using citizen science to investigate the spatial-temporal distribution of floating marine litter in the waters around Taiwan. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 157:111301. [PMID: 32658669 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111301] [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: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter is currently one of the most widespread pollutants. However, monitoring the spatial-temporal changes of floating marine litter remains challenging. In this study, with data collected by citizen scientists, we investigated the distribution and density of floating marine litter in the waters around Taiwan. With 40 volunteers surveying 978 transects in 410 cruises from December 2017 to December 2018, the overall survey area was approximately 121.26 km2 (5455 km in length). We found that the mean density of floating marine litter was 90.10 ± 8.60 items/km2 and that the majority was plastic (63.2%). Nearly 70% of the litter was found in 30% of the surveyed area. We also identified hotspots of floating marine litter, which are at the Northwestern and Southeastern regions of Taiwan. Our study highlights the contribution of citizen science to monitor floating marine litter and provides insight into the management of marine litter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Chun Chiu
- Institute of Marine Affairs and Resources Management, National Taiwan Ocean University, No. 2, Pei-Ning Road, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Pei Liao
- Department of Environmental Biology and Fisheries Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, No. 2, Pei-Ning Road, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Chun Kuo
- Institute of Marine Affairs and Resources Management, National Taiwan Ocean University, No. 2, Pei-Ning Road, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Wen Huang
- Ocean Conservation Administration, Ocean Affairs Council, Institute of Marine Affairs and Resources Management, National Taiwan Ocean University, 7F., No. 25, Chenggong 2nd Rd., Kaohsiung City 80661, Taiwan.
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20
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Barreto R, Bornatowski H, Fiedler FN, Pontalti M, da Costa KJ, Nascimento C, Kotas JE. Macro-debris ingestion and entanglement by blue sharks (Prionace glauca Linnaeus, 1758) in the temperate South Atlantic Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 145:214-218. [PMID: 31590778 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Barreto
- Centro de Pesquisa e Conservação da Biodiversidade Marinha do Sudeste e Sul (CEPSUL, ICMBio), Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Hugo Bornatowski
- Centro de Estudos do Mar (CEM, UFPR), Pontal do Paraná, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Fernando N Fiedler
- Centro de Pesquisa e Conservação da Biodiversidade Marinha do Sudeste e Sul (CEPSUL, ICMBio), Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Monica Pontalti
- Universidade do Vale do Itajaí, Campus Itajaí (UNIVALI), Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Ketyllen J da Costa
- Centro de Pesquisa e Conservação da Biodiversidade Marinha do Sudeste e Sul (CEPSUL, ICMBio), Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Universidade do Vale do Itajaí, Campus Itajaí (UNIVALI), Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - Jorge E Kotas
- Centro de Pesquisa e Conservação da Biodiversidade Marinha do Sudeste e Sul (CEPSUL, ICMBio), Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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21
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Abreo NAS, Thompson KF, Arabejo GFP, Superio MDA. Social media as a novel source of data on the impact of marine litter on megafauna: The Philippines as a case study. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 140:51-59. [PMID: 30803673 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter is a global threat to marine biodiversity. However, there is a key knowledge gap on the impacts of marine litter in the Philippines - a country of high marine biodiversity and large exclusive economic zone. This gap is addressed here by using information shared on the internet by citizen scientists and conservation groups to assess the impacts of marine litter on megafauna. Facebook, presently the largest social media platform, was scanned for posts concerning the interaction between litter and marine species in the Philippines. Results showed thirty-two individuals from 17 species were affected by marine litter in the country. Furthermore, ingestion (61%) was the most frequent interaction reported. Mindanao was also identified as a hotspot for marine litter interactions. The study highlights the utility of social media in providing data to create an inventory of marine species adversely affected by litter and the spatial distribution of these interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Angelo S Abreo
- Senior High School Department, Malayan Colleges Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines; Regional Integrated Coastal Resource Management Center (RIC-XI), Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology, Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines; Institute of Aquatic and Applied Sciences, Davao del Norte State College, Panabo City, Philippines.
| | - Kirsten F Thompson
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Glio Florgiley P Arabejo
- Regional Integrated Coastal Resource Management Center (RIC-XI), Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology, Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines
| | - Michael Dann A Superio
- Graduate School, Department of Natural Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Southeastern Philippines, Davao City, Philippines
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22
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Puig-Lozano R, Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Díaz-Delgado J, García-Álvarez N, Sierra E, De la Fuente J, Sacchini S, Suárez-Santana CM, Zucca D, Câmara N, Saavedra P, Almunia J, Rivero MA, Fernández A, Arbelo M. Retrospective study of foreign body-associated pathology in stranded cetaceans, Canary Islands (2000-2015). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 243:519-527. [PMID: 30216884 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Marine pollution, overrepresented by plastic, is a growing concern worldwide. However, there is little knowledge on occurrence and detrimental impacts of marine debris in cetaceans. To partially fill in this gap of knowledge, we aimed to investigate the occurrence and pathologies associated with foreign bodies (FBs) in a large cohort of cetaceans (n = 465) stranded in the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands shelter the greatest cetacean biodiversity in Europe, with up to 30 different species, of which nine are regularly present year around. We found at least one ingested FB in 36 out of 465 (7.74%) studied cetaceans, involving 15 different species, including eight out of the nine (80%) cetacean species present year-round in the Canary Islands. Risso's dolphin was the species most affected, followed by sperm whale, beaked whale and mysticetes. Plastic FB were the most common item found (80.56%). FB was directly associated with death in 13/36 (36.11%) animals. Poor body condition and deep diving behavior were found to be risk factors for FB ingestion, whereas the adult age was a protective factor. To the authors knowledge this is the first study that use statistical analysis to investigate risk and protective factors for FB ingestion. This study also provides insights of the potential impact caused by ingested FBs on the animal's health and mortality. This knowledge is critical to better understand and assess the impact of FB in cetaceans setting the scientific basis for prospective impact monitoring and future conservation policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Puig-Lozano
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Y Bernaldo de Quirós
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - J Díaz-Delgado
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - N García-Álvarez
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - E Sierra
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - J De la Fuente
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - S Sacchini
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - C M Suárez-Santana
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - D Zucca
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - N Câmara
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - P Saavedra
- Department of Mathematics, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - J Almunia
- Loro Parque Foundation, Camino Burgado, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz (Tenerife), Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - M A Rivero
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - A Fernández
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - M Arbelo
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
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23
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Hernandez-Gonzalez A, Saavedra C, Gago J, Covelo P, Santos MB, Pierce GJ. Microplastics in the stomach contents of common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) stranded on the Galician coasts (NW Spain, 2005-2010). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 137:526-532. [PMID: 30503464 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris is currently recognised as one of the major global threats to marine life. However, few data exist on the presence and abundance of microplastics (plastics < 5 mm in size) in marine mammals. This is the first record of the presence of microplastics in the digestive tracts of marine mammals from the Iberian Peninsula. This study made use of 35 samples of common dolphin stomach contents. Microplastics were identified in all the samples analysed, an average of 12 items per stomach although abundance varied widely from one stomach to another. Most plastic items were small fibres although some fragments and a bead were also found. Excluding the smallest fibres as possible airborne contamination, the estimated occurrence of microplastics could drop to as low as 94%. Although factors affecting accumulation of microplastics and their effect on common dolphins are unknown, the fact that all stomachs analysed contained microplastics is a cause for concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Hernandez-Gonzalez
- Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO), Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Subida a Radio Faro, N° 50, Vigo, Pontevedra 36390, Spain.
| | - Camilo Saavedra
- Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO), Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Subida a Radio Faro, N° 50, Vigo, Pontevedra 36390, Spain
| | - Jesús Gago
- Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO), Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Subida a Radio Faro, N° 50, Vigo, Pontevedra 36390, Spain
| | - Pablo Covelo
- Coordinadora para o Estudio dos Mamíferos Mariños (CEMMA), Apdo. de Correos N° 15, 36380 Gondomar, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - M Begoña Santos
- Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO), Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Subida a Radio Faro, N° 50, Vigo, Pontevedra 36390, Spain
| | - Graham J Pierce
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM-CSIC), Eduardo Cabello, N° 6, Vigo, Pontevedra 36208, Spain; Oceanlab, University of Aberdeen, Main Street, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire AB41 6AA, UK; CESAM, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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24
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Shahul Hamid F, Bhatti MS, Anuar N, Anuar N, Mohan P, Periathamby A. Worldwide distribution and abundance of microplastic: How dire is the situation? WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2018; 36:873-897. [PMID: 30103651 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x18785730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The widespread occurrence of microplastic has invaded the environment to an extent that it appears to be present throughout the globe. This review investigated the global abundance and distribution of microplastics in marine and freshwater ecosystems. Furthermore, the issues and challenges have been addressed for better findings in microplastics studies. Findings revealed that the accumulation of microplastics varies geographically, with locations, hydrodynamic conditions, environmental pressure, and time. From this review, it is crucial that proper regulations are proposed and implemented in order to reduce the occurrence of microplastics in the aquatic environment. Without appropriate law and regulations, microplastic pollution will eventually threaten human livelihood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fauziah Shahul Hamid
- 1 Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- 2 Center for Research in Waste Management, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mehran Sanam Bhatti
- 1 Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norkhairiyah Anuar
- 1 Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norkhairah Anuar
- 1 Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Priya Mohan
- 1 Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Agamuthu Periathamby
- 1 Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- 2 Center for Research in Waste Management, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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25
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Drever MC, Provencher JF, O'Hara PD, Wilson L, Bowes V, Bergman CM. Are ocean conditions and plastic debris resulting in a 'double whammy' for marine birds? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 133:684-692. [PMID: 30041365 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
We report a mortality event of Red Phalaropes (Phalaropus fulicarius) that occurred from October to November 2016 on the north coast of British Columbia, Canada. All individuals were severely underweight and showing signs of physiological stress. The guts of all carcasses contained ingested plastics (100%, n = 9). Distribution modelling from pelagic bird surveys (1990-2010) indicated that Red Phalaropes are not typically found in the study area during fall months. Ocean conditions during fall 2016 were unusually warm, coinciding with reduced upwelling in the study area. eBird records since 1980 indicated Red Phalaropes are observed closer to shore during periods associated with reduced upwelling. These results suggest that distribution shifts of Red Phalaropes closer to shore, where plastic debris occurs in higher concentrations, may lead phalaropes to feed on plastic debris while in a weakened state, resulting in a combination of two adverse circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C Drever
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Delta, British Columbia, Canada.
| | | | - Patrick D O'Hara
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Laurie Wilson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Delta, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Victoria Bowes
- Animal Health Centre, Ministry of Agriculture, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Carita M Bergman
- Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site, Skidegate, British Columbia, Canada
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Rayon-Viña F, Miralles L, Gómez-Agenjo M, Dopico E, Garcia-Vazquez E. Marine litter in south Bay of Biscay: Local differences in beach littering are associated with citizen perception and awareness. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 131:727-735. [PMID: 29887000 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.04.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter is often left by beachgoers. Thus, understanding beachgoers' perception and awareness is important. In this study, the amount and type of litter was measured from nine beaches of central south Bay of Biscay (Spain), and a survey about perception and awareness of the beach littering was conducted among beachgoers. The region could be considered moderately littered compared with other studies, with significant differences among beaches for litter amount and types. Plastic was the most abundant item, followed by fishing gear. Differences among beaches for awareness and litter perception correlated significantly with differences in litter amount. Perception was positively correlated with beach frequentation. Significant gender differences were found, males taking more actions against litter than females regardless how much litter they perceived. These results could be employed for designing campaigns of beach litter treatment and awareness raising, by taking into account local differences detected in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Miralles
- University of Oviedo, Functional Biology Department, 33071 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Marta Gómez-Agenjo
- University of Oviedo, Functional Biology Department, 33071 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Eduardo Dopico
- University of Oviedo, Department of Education Sciences, 33071 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Eva Garcia-Vazquez
- University of Oviedo, Functional Biology Department, 33071 Oviedo, Spain.
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López-López L, Preciado I, González-Irusta JM, Arroyo NL, Muñoz I, Punzón A, Serrano A. Incidental ingestion of meso- and macro-plastic debris by benthic and demersal fish. FOOD WEBS 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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28
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Unger B, Herr H, Benke H, Böhmert M, Burkhardt-Holm P, Dähne M, Hillmann M, Wolff-Schmidt K, Wohlsein P, Siebert U. Marine debris in harbour porpoises and seals from German waters. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 130:77-84. [PMID: 28735731 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Records of marine debris in and attached to stranded harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) were studied comprising information on 6587 carcasses collected along the German coast between 1990 and 2014, the decomposition state allowed for necropsy in 1622 cases. Marine debris items were recorded in 31 carcasses including 14 entanglements (5 harbour porpoises, 6 harbour seals, 3 grey seals) and 17 cases of ingestion (4 harbour porpoises, 10 harbour seals, 3 grey seals). Objects comprised general debris (35.1%) and fishing related debris (64.9%). Injuries associated with marine debris included lesions, suppurative ulcerative dermatitis, perforation of the digestive tract, abscessation, suppurative peritonitis and septicaemia. This study is the first investigation of marine debris findings in all three marine mammal species from German waters. It demonstrates the health impacts marine debris can have, including severe suffering and death. The results provide needed information on debris burdens in the North and Baltic Seas for implementing management directives, such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD).
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Affiliation(s)
- B Unger
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstraße 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany.
| | - H Herr
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstraße 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - H Benke
- German Oceanographic Museum, Katharinenberg 14-20, 18439 Stralsund, Germany
| | - M Böhmert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstraße 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - P Burkhardt-Holm
- University of Basel, Programme Man-Society-Environment, Department of Environmental Sciences, Vesalgasse 1, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - M Dähne
- German Oceanographic Museum, Katharinenberg 14-20, 18439 Stralsund, Germany
| | - M Hillmann
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstraße 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - K Wolff-Schmidt
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstraße 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - P Wohlsein
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - U Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstraße 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany
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29
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Currie JJ, Stack SH, McCordic JA, Kaufman GD. Quantifying the risk that marine debris poses to cetaceans in coastal waters of the 4-island region of Maui. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 121:69-77. [PMID: 28552248 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris poses considerable threat to biodiversity and ecosystems and has been identified as a stressor for a variety of marine life. Here we present results from the first study quantifying the amount and type of debris accumulation in Maui leeward waters and relate this to cetacean distribution to identify areas where marine debris may present a higher threat. Transect surveys were conducted within the 4-island region of Maui, Hawai'i from April 1, 2013 to April 15, 2016. Debris was found in all areas of the study region with higher concentrations observed where the Au'au, Kealaikahiki, and Alalakeiki channels converge. The degree of overlap between debris and cetaceans varied among species but was largest for humpback whales, which account for the largest portion of reported entanglements in the 4-island region of Maui. Identifying areas of high debris-cetacean density overlap can facilitate species management and debris removal efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens J Currie
- Pacific Whale Foundation, 300 Ma'alaea Road, Suite 211, Wailuku, Maui, HI 96793, USA.
| | - Stephanie H Stack
- Pacific Whale Foundation, 300 Ma'alaea Road, Suite 211, Wailuku, Maui, HI 96793, USA
| | - Jessica A McCordic
- Pacific Whale Foundation, 300 Ma'alaea Road, Suite 211, Wailuku, Maui, HI 96793, USA
| | - Gregory D Kaufman
- Pacific Whale Foundation, 300 Ma'alaea Road, Suite 211, Wailuku, Maui, HI 96793, USA
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30
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Harvey GKA, Nelson TA, Fox CH, Paquet PC. Quantifying marine mammal hotspots in British Columbia, Canada. Ecosphere 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gillian K. A. Harvey
- Department of Geography; University of Victoria; Victoria British Columbia V8P 5C2 Canada
- Raincoast Conservation Foundation; Sidney British Columbia V8L 1Y2 Canada
| | - Trisalyn A. Nelson
- School of Geographical Sciences & Urban Planning; Arizona State University; Tempe Arizona 85218 USA
| | - Caroline H. Fox
- Raincoast Conservation Foundation; Sidney British Columbia V8L 1Y2 Canada
- Department of Oceanography; Dalhousie University; Halifax Nova Scotia B3H 4R2 Canada
| | - Paul C. Paquet
- Department of Geography; University of Victoria; Victoria British Columbia V8P 5C2 Canada
- Raincoast Conservation Foundation; Sidney British Columbia V8L 1Y2 Canada
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31
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Díaz-Torres ER, Ortega-Ortiz CD, Silva-Iñiguez L, Nene-Preciado A, Orozco ET. Floating Marine Debris in waters of the Mexican Central Pacific. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 115:225-232. [PMID: 27974156 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.11.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The presence of marine debris has been reported recently in several oceans basins; there is very little information available for Mexican Pacific coasts, however. This research examined the composition, possible sources, distribution, and density of Floating Marine Debris (FMD) during nine research surveys conducted during 2010-2012 in the Mexican Central Pacific (MCP). Of 1820 floating objects recorded, 80% were plastic items. Sources of FMD were determined using key objects, which indicated that the most were related to the presence of the industrial harbor and of a growing fishing industry in the study area. Densities were relatively high, ranging from 40 to 2440objects/km2; the highest densities were recorded in autumn. FMD were distributed near coastal regions, mainly in Jalisco, influenced by river outflow and surface currents. Our results seem to follow worldwide trends and highlight the need for further studies on potential ecological impacts within coastal waters of the MCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn R Díaz-Torres
- Facultad de Ciencias Marinas, Universidad de Colima, Km 20 Carr. Manzanillo-Barra de Navidad, C.P. 28860, Manzanillo, Col., Mexico
| | - Christian D Ortega-Ortiz
- Facultad de Ciencias Marinas, Universidad de Colima, Km 20 Carr. Manzanillo-Barra de Navidad, C.P. 28860, Manzanillo, Col., Mexico.
| | - Lidia Silva-Iñiguez
- Facultad de Ciencias Marinas, Universidad de Colima, Km 20 Carr. Manzanillo-Barra de Navidad, C.P. 28860, Manzanillo, Col., Mexico
| | - Alejandro Nene-Preciado
- Departamento de estudios para el desarrollo sustentable de zonas costeras-CUCSUR, Universidad de Guadalajara, Gómez Farías #82, San Patricio Melaque, Jal., Mexico
| | - Ernesto Torres Orozco
- Facultad de Ciencias Marinas, Universidad de Colima, Km 20 Carr. Manzanillo-Barra de Navidad, C.P. 28860, Manzanillo, Col., Mexico
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Abstract
Plastics contamination in the marine environment was first reported nearly 50 years ago, less than two decades after the rise of commercial plastics production, when less than 50 million metric tons were produced per year. In 2014, global plastics production surpassed 300 million metric tons per year. Plastic debris has been detected worldwide in all major marine habitats, in sizes from microns to meters. In response, concerns about risks to marine wildlife upon exposure to the varied forms of plastic debris have increased, stimulating new research into the extent and consequences of plastics contamination in the marine environment. Here, I present a framework to evaluate the current understanding of the sources, distribution, fate, and impacts of marine plastics. Despite remaining knowledge gaps in mass budgeting and challenges in investigating ecological impacts, the increasing evidence of the ubiquity of plastics contamination in the marine environment, the continued rapid growth in plastics production, and the evidence-albeit limited-of demonstrated impacts to marine wildlife support immediate implementation of source-reducing measures to decrease the potential risks of plastics in the marine ecosystem.
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33
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Unger B, Rebolledo ELB, Deaville R, Gröne A, IJsseldijk LL, Leopold MF, Siebert U, Spitz J, Wohlsein P, Herr H. Large amounts of marine debris found in sperm whales stranded along the North Sea coast in early 2016. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 112:134-141. [PMID: 27539635 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
30 sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) stranded along the coasts of the North Sea between January and February 2016. The gastro-intestinal tracts of 22 of the carcasses were investigated. Marine debris including netting, ropes, foils, packaging material and a part of a car were found in nine of the 22 individuals. Here we provide details about the findings and consequences for the animals. While none of the items was responsible for the death of the animal, the findings demonstrate the high level of exposure to marine debris and associated risks for large predators, such as the sperm whale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Unger
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation. Werftstr. 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | | | - Rob Deaville
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Andrea Gröne
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, PO Box 80158, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lonneke L IJsseldijk
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, PO Box 80158, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mardik F Leopold
- IMARES Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 57, 1780 AB Den Helder, The Netherlands
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation. Werftstr. 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - Jérôme Spitz
- Observatoire PELAGIS, UMS 3462, University of La Rochelle/CNRS, 5 allées de l'océan, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Peter Wohlsein
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation. Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Helena Herr
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation. Werftstr. 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany.
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Anderson JC, Park BJ, Palace VP. Microplastics in aquatic environments: Implications for Canadian ecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 218:269-280. [PMID: 27431693 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.06.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been increasingly detected and quantified in marine and freshwater environments, and there are growing concerns about potential effects in biota. A literature review was conducted to summarize the current state of knowledge of microplastics in Canadian aquatic environments; specifically, the sources, environmental fate, behaviour, abundance, and toxicological effects in aquatic organisms. While we found that research and publications on these topics have increased dramatically since 2010, relatively few studies have assessed the presence, fate, and effects of microplastics in Canadian water bodies. We suggest that efforts to determine aquatic receptors at greatest risk of detrimental effects due to microplastic exposure, and their associated contaminants, are particularly warranted. There is also a need to address the gaps identified, with a particular focus on the species and conditions found in Canadian aquatic systems. These gaps include characterization of the presence of microplastics in Canadian freshwater ecosystems, identifying key sources of microplastics to these systems, and evaluating the presence of microplastics in Arctic waters and biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie C Anderson
- Stantec Consulting Ltd., 500-311 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3B 2B9, Canada.
| | - Bradley J Park
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada
| | - Vince P Palace
- Stantec Consulting Ltd., 500-311 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3B 2B9, Canada
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35
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Figueroa-Pico J, Valle DMD, Castillo-Ruperti R, Macías-Mayorga D. Marine debris: Implications for conservation of rocky reefs in Manabi, Ecuador (Se Pacific Coast). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 109:7-13. [PMID: 27263979 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.05.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris (MD) pollution is a problem of global concern because of its impact on marine ecosystems. The current extent of this problem and its implications concerning reef conservation are unknown in Ecuador. The composition and distribution of submerged MD was assessed on two reefs using underwater surveys of geomorphological areas: crest, slope and bottom. MD items were classified according to source and use. Plastic-derived debris represents >90% of total MD found on the reefs, principally composed by plastic containers and nets. 63% of the MD was associated to fishing activities. The composition showed differences between sites and geomorphological areas, monofilament nets were found on the crests, multifilament lines on the slopes and plastic containers on the bottom. MD disposal might be a result of the influx of visitors and fishing activities. Distribution is related to bottom type, level of boating/fishing activity and benthic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Figueroa-Pico
- Departamento Central de Investigación (DCI), Ecuadorian Aquatic Ecotoxicology (ECUACTOX) group, Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí (ULEAM), Manta, Ecuador.
| | - David Mero-Del Valle
- Departamento Central de Investigación (DCI), Ecuadorian Aquatic Ecotoxicology (ECUACTOX) group, Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí (ULEAM), Manta, Ecuador; Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí (ULEAM), Manta, Ecuador
| | - Ricardo Castillo-Ruperti
- Departamento Central de Investigación (DCI), Ecuadorian Aquatic Ecotoxicology (ECUACTOX) group, Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí (ULEAM), Manta, Ecuador; Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí (ULEAM), Manta, Ecuador
| | - Dayanara Macías-Mayorga
- Departamento Central de Investigación (DCI), Ecuadorian Aquatic Ecotoxicology (ECUACTOX) group, Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí (ULEAM), Manta, Ecuador; Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí (ULEAM), Manta, Ecuador
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Sá S, Bastos-Santos J, Araújo H, Ferreira M, Duro V, Alves F, Panta-Ferreira B, Nicolau L, Eira C, Vingada J. Spatial distribution of floating marine debris in offshore continental Portuguese waters. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 104:269-278. [PMID: 26778496 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This study presents data on abundance and density of macro-floating marine debris (FMD), including their composition, spatial distribution and potential sources off continental Portugal. FMD were assessed by shipboard visual surveys covering ±252,833 km(2) until the 220 nm limit. The FMD average density was 2.98 items/km(2) and abundance amounted to 752,740 items. Unidentified plastics constitute the major bulk of FMD (density=0.46 items/km(2); abundance=117,390 items), followed by styrofoam, derelict or lost materials from fisheries, paper/cardboard and wood material. The North sector of the area presents higher FMD diversity and abundances, probably as a result of the high number of navigation corridors and fisheries operating in that sector. Most FMD originate from local sources, namely discharges from vessels and derelict material from fisheries. Considering the identifiable items, cables and fishing lines were the only fishing related items among the top ten FMD items in Portuguese offshore waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sá
- Department of Biology & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departament of Biology, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Jorge Bastos-Santos
- Department of Biology & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departament of Biology, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; Campus do Mar, International Campus of Excellence, Spain; Campus do Mar, International Campus of Excellence, Portugal
| | - Hélder Araújo
- Department of Biology & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departament of Biology, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; Campus do Mar, International Campus of Excellence, Spain; Campus do Mar, International Campus of Excellence, Portugal
| | - Marisa Ferreira
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departament of Biology, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; Departament of Biology & CBMA, Universidade do Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Virginia Duro
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departament of Biology, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Flávia Alves
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departament of Biology, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Bruno Panta-Ferreira
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departament of Biology, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Lídia Nicolau
- Department of Biology & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departament of Biology, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Catarina Eira
- Department of Biology & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departament of Biology, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
| | - José Vingada
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departament of Biology, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; Departament of Biology & CESAM, Universidade do Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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Zhou C, Liu X, Wang Z, Yang T, Shi L, Wang L, You S, Li M, Zhang C. Assessment of marine debris in beaches or seawaters around the China Seas and coastal provinces. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2016; 48:652-660. [PMID: 26589868 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2015.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Compared with United States of America (USA), Brazil, Chile, Australia, limited attention has been paid to marine debris research in China and few studies have attempted to quantify the abundance and mass of marine debris. In this study, firstly the general status and sources of marine debris in China were assessed in the time period between 2007 and 2014, and secondly marine debris situation was evaluated in three China Sea Areas (the North China Sea, the East China Sea and the South China Sea) from 2009 to 2013, and finally marine debris conditions and sources were analyzed in beaches or seawaters around some coastal provinces of China during 2007-2013. Based on above analysis, the primary conclusions were as follows: (1) The mean number and weight densities of beached marine debris (BMD) and submerged marine debris (SMD) were 4.30, 0.13items/100m(2) and 133.80, 22.60g/100m(2) in China from 2007 to 2014, respectively. The average number density of the large size FMD (LOSFMD) was 0.0024items/100m(2) and that of the small and medium size FMD (SMSFMD) was 0.30items/100m(2), and the mean weight density of the SMSFMD was 1.40g/100m(2) from 2008 to 2014. The SMD and FMD densities were at the low level and the BMD density was at the high level in China. (2) The marine debris primarily was comprised of plastic, Styrofoam, wood, glass, rubber, fabric/fiber and metal, which included almost all major categories of marine debris. (3) Sources of BMD and FMD were as follows: the first source was coastal/recreational activities, followed by other disposal sources, navigation/fishing activities and the activities related smoking, and the least source being those associated with medical/sanitary activities, while the source of SMD remained unknown. (4) The mean number and weight densities of BMD were the biggest in the North China Sea, while those of FMD and SMD were the highest in the northern South China Sea. The results of this study were beneficial to the establishment of management measures for dealing with ecological and environmental problems that were generated by the high speed socio-economic development in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changchun Zhou
- College of Geography and Tourism, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao 276826, Shandong, China.
| | - Xu Liu
- National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zhengwen Wang
- College of Geography and Tourism, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao 276826, Shandong, China
| | - Tiantian Yang
- College of Geography and Tourism, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao 276826, Shandong, China
| | - Linna Shi
- College of Geography and Tourism, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao 276826, Shandong, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- College of Geography and Tourism, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao 276826, Shandong, China
| | - Suwen You
- College of Geography and Tourism, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao 276826, Shandong, China
| | - Min Li
- College of Geography and Tourism, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao 276826, Shandong, China
| | - Cuicui Zhang
- College of Geography and Tourism, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao 276826, Shandong, China
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38
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Nature of Plastic Marine Pollution in the Subtropical Gyres. THE HANDBOOK OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/698_2016_123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Attademo FLN, Balensiefer DC, Freire ACDB, de Sousa GP, da Cunha FAGC, Luna FDO. Debris ingestion by the Antillean Manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 101:284-287. [PMID: 26431561 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The Antillean manatee inhabits coastal regions of North and Northeastern Brazil and currently is considered an endangered species in the country. Aiming to gather information for the development of public policies focusing on the conservation of manatees, the National Center for Research and Conservation of Aquatic Mammals of the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity has been rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing these mammals since the 1980s. Over the last 36 years, 40 manatees were released by the CMA/ICMBio and four of them were rescued again due to debris ingestion. Two of these manatees died and the other two were taken back into captivity for a new rehabilitation process. The four mammals had confirmed diagnosis of plastic debris ingestion. These findings demonstrate that the environment where the manatees live after being released had a significant amount of garbage which may hinder the success of the species conservation in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Loffler Niemeyer Attademo
- National Center for Research and Conservation of Aquatic Mammals (Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Mamíferos Aquáticos - CMA), Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade - ICMBio), Estrada do Forte Orange, s/n., Itamaracá, PE 53900-000, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Medicine (Departamento de Medicina Veterinária), Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE), R. Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil.
| | - Deisi Cristiane Balensiefer
- National Center for Research and Conservation of Aquatic Mammals (Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Mamíferos Aquáticos - CMA), Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade - ICMBio), Estrada do Forte Orange, s/n., Itamaracá, PE 53900-000, Brazil
| | - Augusto Carlos da Bôaviagem Freire
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (Departamento de Medicina Veterinária), Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE), R. Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Glaucia Pereira de Sousa
- National Center for Research and Conservation of Aquatic Mammals (Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Mamíferos Aquáticos - CMA), Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade - ICMBio), Estrada do Forte Orange, s/n., Itamaracá, PE 53900-000, Brazil
| | - Fábio Adonis Gouveia Carneiro da Cunha
- National Center for Research and Conservation of Aquatic Mammals (Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Mamíferos Aquáticos - CMA), Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade - ICMBio), Estrada do Forte Orange, s/n., Itamaracá, PE 53900-000, Brazil
| | - Fábia de Oliveira Luna
- National Center for Research and Conservation of Aquatic Mammals (Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Mamíferos Aquáticos - CMA), Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade - ICMBio), Estrada do Forte Orange, s/n., Itamaracá, PE 53900-000, Brazil
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40
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Williams R, Erbe C, Ashe E, Clark CW. Quiet(er) marine protected areas. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 100:154-161. [PMID: 26386506 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A core task in endangered species conservation is identifying important habitats and managing human activities to mitigate threats. Many marine organisms, from invertebrates to fish to marine mammals, use acoustic cues to find food, avoid predators, choose mates, and navigate. Ocean noise can affect animal behavior and disrupt trophic linkages. Substantial potential exists for area-based management to reduce exposure of animals to chronic ocean noise. Incorporating noise into spatial planning (e.g., critical habitat designation or marine protected areas) may improve ecological integrity and promote ecological resilience to withstand additional stressors. Previous work identified areas with high ship noise requiring mitigation. This study introduces the concept of "opportunity sites" - important habitats that experience low ship noise. Working with existing patterns in ocean noise and animal distribution will facilitate conservation gains while minimizing societal costs, by identifying opportunities to protect important wildlife habitats that happen to be quiet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob Williams
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 8LB, Scotland, UK; Oceans Initiative, Pearse Island, BC V0N 1A0, Canada.
| | - Christine Erbe
- Centre for Marine Science & Technology, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Erin Ashe
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 8LB, Scotland, UK; Oceans Initiative, Pearse Island, BC V0N 1A0, Canada
| | - Christopher W Clark
- Bioacoustics Research Program, Cornell University, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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41
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Davis W, Murphy AG. Plastic in surface waters of the Inside Passage and beaches of the Salish Sea in Washington State. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 97:169-177. [PMID: 26099788 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We summarize results of two independent studies on plastic pollution in the marine environment that overlap in time and space. One study evaluated the abundance of anthropogenic debris on 37 sandy beaches bordering the Salish Sea in Washington State while the other characterized plastic debris in surface waters of the Salish Sea and the Inside Passage to Skagway, Alaska. Both studies concluded that foam, primarily expanded polystyrene was the dominant pollutant. Plastic was found in surface waters the full length of the Inside Passage but was concentrated near harbors. At the wrack line, an average square meter of Washington's 1180km of sandy beaches in the Salish Sea had 61 pieces of anthropogenic debris weighing approximately 5g. The total loading for the entire 1m wide band is estimated to be 72,000,000 pieces and 5.8metric tons. Most anthropogenic debris on beaches is generated within the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wallace Davis
- Retired Director of Quality, Leviton Manufacturing, United States.
| | - Anne G Murphy
- Retired Director, Port Townsend Marine Science Center, United States
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42
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Miranda-Urbina D, Thiel M, Luna-Jorquera G. Litter and seabirds found across a longitudinal gradient in the South Pacific Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 96:235-44. [PMID: 25998727 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Abundances and composition of marine litter and seabirds were estimated in the central South Pacific (SP) Ocean between the Chilean continental coast and the Easter Island Ecoregion. Litter was dominated by plastics throughout the study area, but the proportion of plastics was higher at sea and on the oceanic islands than in coastal waters and on continental beaches. Litter densities were higher close to the center of the SP subtropical gyre compared to the continental coast. The seabird assemblage was diverse (28 species), and several endemic species were recorded. Seabird abundances were higher in the coastal waters and around Juan Fernández Islands off the continental coast than in the Oceanic and Polynesian sectors. Endangered species breeding on Salas & Gómez Island were observed in the Polynesian sector, which suggests a high potential for negative interactions between seabirds and floating litter, both occurring in high densities in this sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Miranda-Urbina
- Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus of Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Island (ESMOI), Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Programa de Magíster en Ciencias del Mar mención Recursos Costeros, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Martin Thiel
- Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus of Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Island (ESMOI), Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Guillermo Luna-Jorquera
- Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus of Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Island (ESMOI), Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile.
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43
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Santos RG, Andrades R, Boldrini MA, Martins AS. Debris ingestion by juvenile marine turtles: an underestimated problem. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 93:37-43. [PMID: 25749316 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 02/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Marine turtles are an iconic group of endangered animals threatened by debris ingestion. However, key aspects related to debris ingestion are still poorly known, including its effects on mortality and the original use of the ingested debris. Therefore, we analysed the impact of debris ingestion in 265 green turtles (Chelonia mydas) over a large geographical area and different habitats along the Brazilian coast. We determined the death rate due to debris ingestion and quantified the amount of debris that is sufficient to cause the death of juvenile green turtles. Additionally, we investigated the original use of the ingested debris. We found that a surprisingly small amount of debris was sufficient to block the digestive tract and cause death. We suggested that debris ingestion has a high death potential that may be masked by other causes of death. An expressive part of the ingested debris come from disposable and short-lived products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robson Guimarães Santos
- Departamento de Oceanografia e Ecologia, CCHN, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, 29075-910 Vitória, ES, Brazil.
| | - Ryan Andrades
- Departamento de Oceanografia e Ecologia, CCHN, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, 29075-910 Vitória, ES, Brazil.
| | - Marcillo Altoé Boldrini
- Departamento de Oceanografia e Ecologia, CCHN, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, 29075-910 Vitória, ES, Brazil.
| | - Agnaldo Silva Martins
- Departamento de Oceanografia e Ecologia, CCHN, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, 29075-910 Vitória, ES, Brazil.
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44
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Alvarez-Zeferino JC, Beltrán-Villavicencio M, Vázquez-Morillas A. Degradation of Plastics in Seawater in Laboratory. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4236/ojpchem.2015.54007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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45
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Pham CK, Ramirez-Llodra E, Alt CHS, Amaro T, Bergmann M, Canals M, Company JB, Davies J, Duineveld G, Galgani F, Howell KL, Huvenne VAI, Isidro E, Jones DOB, Lastras G, Morato T, Gomes-Pereira JN, Purser A, Stewart H, Tojeira I, Tubau X, Van Rooij D, Tyler PA. Marine litter distribution and density in European seas, from the shelves to deep basins. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95839. [PMID: 24788771 PMCID: PMC4005782 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 268] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic litter is present in all marine habitats, from beaches to the most remote points in the oceans. On the seafloor, marine litter, particularly plastic, can accumulate in high densities with deleterious consequences for its inhabitants. Yet, because of the high cost involved with sampling the seafloor, no large-scale assessment of distribution patterns was available to date. Here, we present data on litter distribution and density collected during 588 video and trawl surveys across 32 sites in European waters. We found litter to be present in the deepest areas and at locations as remote from land as the Charlie-Gibbs Fracture Zone across the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The highest litter density occurs in submarine canyons, whilst the lowest density can be found on continental shelves and on ocean ridges. Plastic was the most prevalent litter item found on the seafloor. Litter from fishing activities (derelict fishing lines and nets) was particularly common on seamounts, banks, mounds and ocean ridges. Our results highlight the extent of the problem and the need for action to prevent increasing accumulation of litter in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher K. Pham
- Center of the Institute of Marine Research (IMAR) and Department of Oceanography and Fisheries, University of the Azores, Horta, Portugal
- Laboratory of Robotics and Systems in Engineering and Science (LARSyS), Lisbon, Portugal
- * E-mail:
| | - Eva Ramirez-Llodra
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Marine Biology section, Oslo, Norway
| | - Claudia H. S. Alt
- Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Amaro
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Melanie Bergmann
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Miquel Canals
- GRC Geociències Marines, Departament d′Estratigrafia, Paleontologia i Geociències Marines, Facultat de Geologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Campus de Pedralbes, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Jaime Davies
- Marine Biology & Ecology Research Centre, Marine Institute, Plymouth University, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Gerard Duineveld
- Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Texel, The Netherlands
| | - François Galgani
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l′Exploitation de la Mer (IFREMER), Bastia, France
| | - Kerry L. Howell
- Marine Biology & Ecology Research Centre, Marine Institute, Plymouth University, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Veerle A. I. Huvenne
- National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Eduardo Isidro
- Center of the Institute of Marine Research (IMAR) and Department of Oceanography and Fisheries, University of the Azores, Horta, Portugal
- Laboratory of Robotics and Systems in Engineering and Science (LARSyS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Daniel O. B. Jones
- National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Galderic Lastras
- GRC Geociències Marines, Departament d′Estratigrafia, Paleontologia i Geociències Marines, Facultat de Geologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Campus de Pedralbes, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Telmo Morato
- Center of the Institute of Marine Research (IMAR) and Department of Oceanography and Fisheries, University of the Azores, Horta, Portugal
- Laboratory of Robotics and Systems in Engineering and Science (LARSyS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José Nuno Gomes-Pereira
- Center of the Institute of Marine Research (IMAR) and Department of Oceanography and Fisheries, University of the Azores, Horta, Portugal
- Laboratory of Robotics and Systems in Engineering and Science (LARSyS), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Autun Purser
- OceanLab, Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Heather Stewart
- British Geological Survey, Murchison House, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Inês Tojeira
- Portuguese Task Group for the Extension of the Continental Shelf (EMEPC), Paço de Arcos, Portugal
| | - Xavier Tubau
- GRC Geociències Marines, Departament d′Estratigrafia, Paleontologia i Geociències Marines, Facultat de Geologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Campus de Pedralbes, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Van Rooij
- Renard Centre of Marine Geology (RCMG), Department of Geology and Soil Science, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Paul A. Tyler
- Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Adimey NM, Hudak CA, Powell JR, Bassos-Hull K, Foley A, Farmer NA, White L, Minch K. Fishery gear interactions from stranded bottlenose dolphins, Florida manatees and sea turtles in Florida, U.S.A. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 81:103-115. [PMID: 24613263 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Revised: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Documenting the extent of fishery gear interactions is critical to wildlife conservation efforts, especially for reducing entanglements and ingestion. This study summarizes fishery gear interactions involving common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus truncatus), Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) and sea turtles: loggerhead (Caretta caretta), green turtle (Chelonia mydas), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), and olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) stranding in Florida waters during 1997-2009. Fishery gear interactions for all species combined were 75.3% hook and line, 18.2% trap pot gear, 4.8% fishing nets, and 1.7% in multiple gears. Total reported fishery gear cases increased over time for dolphins (p<0.05), manatees (p<0.01), loggerheads (p<0.05) and green sea turtles (p<0.05). The proportion of net interaction strandings relative to total strandings for loggerhead sea turtles increased (p<0.05). Additionally, life stage and sex patterns were examined, fishery gear interaction hotspots were identified and generalized linear regression modeling was conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Adimey
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 7915 Baymeadows Way, Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32256, USA.
| | - Christine A Hudak
- Right Whale Research Program, Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA 02657, USA.
| | - Jessica R Powell
- NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA.
| | - Kim Bassos-Hull
- Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Chicago Zoological Society, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA.
| | - Allen Foley
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Jacksonville Field Laboratory, Jacksonville, FL 32218, USA.
| | - Nicholas A Farmer
- NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA.
| | - Linda White
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 7915 Baymeadows Way, Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32256, USA
| | - Karrie Minch
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network Indian River Field Lab, 1220 Prospect Ave, Suite 285, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA.
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47
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Baulch S, Perry C. Evaluating the impacts of marine debris on cetaceans. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 80:210-221. [PMID: 24525134 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.12.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Revised: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Global in its distribution and pervading all levels of the water column, marine debris poses a serious threat to marine habitats and wildlife. For cetaceans, ingestion or entanglement in debris can cause chronic and acute injuries and increase pollutant loads, resulting in morbidity and mortality. However, knowledge of the severity of effects lags behind that for other species groups. This literature review examines the impacts of marine debris on cetaceans reported to date. It finds that ingestion of debris has been documented in 48 (56% of) cetacean species, with rates of ingestion as high as 31% in some populations. Debris-induced mortality rates of 0-22% of stranded animals were documented, suggesting that debris could be a significant conservation threat to some populations. We identify key data that need to be collected and published to improve understanding of the threat that marine debris poses to cetaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Baulch
- Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), 62-63 Upper Street, London N1 0NY, United Kingdom.
| | - Clare Perry
- Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), 62-63 Upper Street, London N1 0NY, United Kingdom
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48
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Desforges JPW, Galbraith M, Dangerfield N, Ross PS. Widespread distribution of microplastics in subsurface seawater in the NE Pacific Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 79:94-9. [PMID: 24398418 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 485] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
We document the abundance, composition and distribution of microplastics in sub-surface seawaters of the northeastern Pacific Ocean and coastal British Columbia. Samples were acid-digested and plastics were characterized using light microscopy by type (fibres or fragments) and size (<100, 100-500, 500-100 and >1000 μm). Microplastics concentrations ranged from 8 to 9200 particles/m(3); lowest concentrations were in offshore Pacific waters, and increased 6, 12 and 27-fold in west coast Vancouver Island, Strait of Georgia, and Queen Charlotte Sound, respectively. Fibres accounted for ∼ 75% of particles on average, although nearshore samples had more fibre content than offshore (p<0.05). While elevated microplastic concentrations near urban areas are consistent with land-based sources, the high levels in Queen Charlotte Sound appeared to be the result of oceanographic conditions that trap and concentrate debris. This assessment of microplastics in the NE Pacific is of interest in light of the on-coming debris from the 2011 Tohoku Tsunami.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre W Desforges
- School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Moira Galbraith
- Institute of Ocean Sciences, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, PO Box 6000, Sidney, BC, Canada
| | - Neil Dangerfield
- Institute of Ocean Sciences, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, PO Box 6000, Sidney, BC, Canada
| | - Peter S Ross
- Vancouver Aquarium, PO Box 3232, Vancouver, BC V6E 3G2, Canada.
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49
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Williams R, Clark CW, Ponirakis D, Ashe E. Acoustic quality of critical habitats for three threatened whale populations. Anim Conserv 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Williams
- Sea Mammal Research Unit; Scottish Oceans Institute; University of St Andrews; St Andrews Fife Scotland UK
- Oceans Initiative; Pearse Island BC Canada
| | - C. W. Clark
- Bioacoustics Research Program, Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Cornell University; Ithaca NY USA
| | - D. Ponirakis
- Bioacoustics Research Program, Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Cornell University; Ithaca NY USA
| | - E. Ashe
- Sea Mammal Research Unit; Scottish Oceans Institute; University of St Andrews; St Andrews Fife Scotland UK
- Oceans Initiative; Pearse Island BC Canada
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50
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Verlis KM, Campbell ML, Wilson SP. Ingestion of marine debris plastic by the wedge-tailed shearwater Ardenna pacifica in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2013; 72:244-9. [PMID: 23711836 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Revised: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/24/2013] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
We present the first evidence of ingestion of plastic by seabirds from the southern Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia. The occurrence of marine debris ingestion in the wedge-tailed shearwater, Ardenna pacifica, on Heron Island was the focus of this preliminary research. Our findings indicate that 21% of surveyed chicks are fed plastic fragments by their parents, having ingested 3.2 fragments on average. The most common colours of ingested plastic fragments were off/white (37.5%) and green (31.3%). Ingested fragments had a mean size of 10.17±4.55 mm and a mean weight of 0.056±0.051 g. Our results indicate that further research is critical to understanding the extent of ingestion, colour preferences, and what impacts ingestion may have on these and other seabird populations in the GBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Verlis
- Central Queensland University, Centre for Environmental Management, P.O. Box 1319, Gladstone, QLD 4680, Australia.
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