Macro and Microplastics at Rocky Point and Coral Gardens Belize: Spatial Distribution and Abundance

Summary

Researchers quantified macro- and microplastic abundance and spatial distribution patterns at Rocky Point and Coral Gardens reef sites in Belize, revealing contamination in a marine protected area with internationally significant coral biodiversity. Microplastic contamination in coral reef ecosystems poses direct threats to reef organisms through ingestion and entanglement while also signaling contamination of adjacent fisheries that local communities depend on for food and income.