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The COVID-19 pandemic “anthropause” decreased plastic ingestion in neotropic cormorants Nannopterum brasilianus in Lima, Peru
Summary
Researchers found that plastic ingestion by neotropic cormorants in Lima, Peru decreased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown compared to pre-pandemic levels. The study suggests a direct link between human beach activity and the amount of microplastics, particularly threadlike fibers, that end up being consumed by coastal seabirds.
Our findings revealed a significant reduction in the occurrence of plastic in pellets during the pandemic period (% Oc = 2.47, n = 647 pellets) compared to pre-pandemic conditions (% Oc = 7.13, n = 800 pellets). The most common plastic debris item found in the pellets was threadlike microplastic. Additionally, our study highlights the direct correlation between human presence on beaches and the quantity of microplastics (mainly threadlike) found in cormorant pellets. We suggest that the reintroduction of these materials into the sea, previously accumulated on the coast, is likely facilitated by the movement and activity of beachgoers toward the ocean.