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Microplastic Munchies: Exploring Microplastic Trophic Transfer Potential Between Two Key Prey Fish Species and Resident Common Bottlenose Dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) in Sarasota Bay, Florida
Summary
Scientists studying dolphins in Florida's Sarasota Bay found tiny plastic bits (microplastics) in nearly all the fish these dolphins eat, and estimate the dolphins may swallow more than 10,000 plastic particles a day just from their prey. This matters beyond dolphins: it shows how plastic pollution moves up the food chain from fish to predators, raising questions about how much of this contamination could also be making its way into the seafood people eat.
ABSTRACT Microplastics have been identified in hundreds of species, with evidence of trophic transfer via contaminated prey. Sarasota Bay common bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) serve as sentinels of coastal pollution, including plastics and chemical plasticizers. Previous research confirmed microplastic ingestion in these dolphins (100.0%, n = 7) and extensive contamination in 11 common prey species (96.5%, n = 86). This study compared microplastic characteristics in dolphins, Gulf toadfish ( Opsanus beta , n = 30) and pinfish ( Lagodon rhomboides , n = 35), to assess potential trophic transfer. Dolphin ingestion was evaluated using gastric ( n = 23) and fecal ( n = 15) samples from catch‐and‐release health assessments (2022–2024), while prey gastrointestinal and muscle tissues were screened. Particles were prevalent across samples (dolphins: 82.6%, pinfish: 97.1%, toadfish: 96.7%), with fibers as the dominant shape. Raman spectroscopy confirmed plastic polymers (PL, PP, and PET) in all species. Pinfish had a higher median particle load (1.4 particles/g tissue) than toadfish (0.6 particles/g tissue; p = 0.006). Based on estimated daily food intake (5.96–6.45 kg) and diet composition (toadfish—34.1%, pinfish—38.1%), Sarasota dolphins may ingest more than 10,000 particles/day from these fish alone. Contaminated prey may be vectors for dolphin microplastic exposure. This study emphasizes the need for further research on microplastic pathways in marine food webs and implications for wildlife.