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No escape from microplastics: Contamination of reef manta ray feeding areas in a remote, protected archipelago
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Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) feeding areas within a remote, protected archipelago, finding that even isolated marine protected areas are not free from microplastic pollution, raising concerns about filter-feeding marine megafauna in decline.
Abstract Remote islands receive plastic debris from elsewhere, ranging from microplastics (>5 mm) to macroplastics, which can further breakdown into microplastics. The ingestion of microplastics by marine species has been linked to decreased fitness. Reef manta rays, Mobula alfredi , are liable to ingest microplastics due to their filter‐feeding strategy and habitat overlap with plastic hotspots. Their population is in decline due to unsustainable fishing pressures and a slow life history, with potential additional demographic pressure from plastic pollution. This study investigates the concentration and characteristics of microplastics in the top 0.5 m of the water column in reef manta rays feeding areas around the Chagos Archipelago, a large remote marine protected area that is highly contaminated by macroplastic debris. Across all samples, a mean of 1.1 microparticle/m 3 was found, the majority of which were blue and black fibers. Half of the particles were confirmed as synthetic (53.6%, n = 305 out of 569 Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy'd particles), with the main synthetic polymers being polyester (21.1%), polypropylene (8.8%) and nylon (4.6%). Egmont Atoll, an International Union for Conservation of Nature “Important Shark and Ray Area” for its importance to reef manta rays, was the most contaminated atoll around the archipelago (1.6 microparticle/m 3 ). Continued regular beach cleans in important areas for biodiversity are recommended, as well as implementing new methods to reduce local input of microplastics, such as washing machine filters, and ultimately a global continued effort to reduce plastic usage and improve its disposal.
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Skimming the surface on plastic ingestion: a preliminarily assessment of plastics in feeding grounds of the reef manta ray Mobula alfredi along the north west coast of Australia
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Researchers conducted a preliminary assessment of plastic pollution in the feeding grounds of reef manta rays along the northwest Australian coast, documenting plastic contamination in an area where filter-feeding megafauna are at risk. The study highlights a critical knowledge gap regarding direct plastic exposure for large marine animals in Australian waters.
Karakteristik Mikroplastik pada Daerah Feeding Ground Pari Manta, Big Manta Bay, Nusa Penida
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This study characterized microplastics in the feeding grounds of manta rays (Mobula alfredi) at Big Manta Bay in Nusa Penida, Indonesia. Because manta rays are obligate filter feeders, microplastic contamination in their habitat raises concerns about inadvertent ingestion and health effects.
From megafauna to microplastics: Understanding habit use reveals potential threats to Indonesia's manta rays
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Researchers used tracking data and habitat models to assess threats to manta rays in Indonesia, including fishing interactions, tourism pressure, and environmental contamination. The paper identifies microplastic exposure as a concern for filter-feeding manta rays that ingest large volumes of water along with their prey.
Microplastics on the Menu: Plastics Pollute Indonesian Manta Ray and Whale Shark Feeding Grounds
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Plastic abundance was surveyed at feeding grounds for manta rays and whale sharks in three coastal Indonesian locations using plankton net trawls and visual surveys, finding microplastics throughout waters in a global marine biodiversity hotspot. The study highlights the risk posed by plastic pollution to large filter-feeding megafauna in one of the world's most plastic-polluted regions.
A microplastic meal: A baseline assessment of microplastic polymer presence within manta-ray (Mobula alfredi) feeding grounds at D'Arros Island and the St. Joseph Atoll
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Researchers used plankton tows at reef manta ray feeding grounds in the Seychelles to characterize microplastic polymer types present, identifying polybutylene terephthalate as the dominant polymer and flagging polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, PVC, and PBT as very high concern — though total microplastic abundance did not correlate with zooplankton biomass, suggesting manta rays do not preferentially ingest more MPs at active feeding aggregations.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.