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Assessing microplastic exposure of the Critically Endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) on a remote oceanic island
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Researchers assessed microplastic exposure in the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal using scat analysis and found microplastics in 100% of samples, suggesting high pollution levels in the Madeira archipelago's coastal food web.
Microplastics (<5 mm) are a ubiquitous marine pollutant which are highly bioavailable to marine organisms across all trophic levels. Marine predators are especially vulnerable to microplastic pollution through direct and indirect ingestion (e.g., trophic transfer) due to their high trophic position. In particular, oceanic islands are more susceptible to plastic accumulation, increasing the relative number of microplastics in the environment that are available for consumption. The dynamics of microplastic accumulation in marine predators inhabiting remote islands, however, is sparsely documented. Here we describe microplastic exposure in the Critically Endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) from the Madeira archipelago (Northeast Atlantic) using scat-based analysis. Microplastics were recovered from 18 scat samples collected between 2014-2021 and were characterized to the polymer level using Fourier-Transform Infrared (u-FTIR) spectroscopy. A total of 390 microplastic particles were recovered, ranging between 0.2-8.6 particles g dry weight (mean 1.84 ± 2.14 particles g) consisting mainly of fragments (69 %) of various sizes and polymer composition (e.g., PE, PET, PS). Microplastic prevalence (100 % of samples analysed) was higher than what has been previously recorded using scat-based analysis in other pinniped species. Our results suggest that the levels of microplastic pollution in the coastal food-web in the Madeira archipelago are relatively high, placing higher-trophic level organisms at increased risk of microplastic consumption, including humans. This study provides the first insights into microplastic exposure to Madeira's monk seals that may contribute to future management decisions for the species and their long-term survival.
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Using monk seal faeces as a non-invasive technique to monitor the incidence of microdebris
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Researchers developed a non-invasive method of monitoring microdebris — tiny plastic and other particles — ingested by the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal by analyzing their feces. This approach avoids the need to examine dead animals, making it practical for ongoing monitoring of plastic ingestion in small, protected wildlife populations.
Monk seal faeces as a non-invasive technique to monitor the incidence of ingested microplastics and potential presence of plastic additives
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Researchers used a non-invasive technique to collect and analyze monk seal fecal samples for microplastic contamination, marking the first time this approach has been used for this endangered species. They found microplastic particles in the samples along with plastic additives and biomarkers indicating dietary exposure. The method offers a practical way to monitor microplastic ingestion in protected marine mammals without disturbing the animals.
Microplastic pollution in an endangered Galapagos pinniped: A comprehensive regional assessment
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Researchers tested whether the endangered Galapagos sea lion, living in one of the world's most remote marine reserves, is ingesting microplastics. They found plastic particles in 44% of scat samples, with synthetic fibers dominant and polymer types suggesting both ocean-transported pollution and local fishing and domestic sources. Even in this protected and relatively pristine ecosystem, sea lions are regularly consuming microplastics, underscoring that no marine habitat is truly shielded from the global plastic pollution crisis.
What goes in, must come out: Combining scat‐based molecular diet analysis and quantification of ingested microplastics in a marine top predator
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By combining molecular diet analysis from seal scat with quantification of ingested microplastics, researchers found that a marine top predator was regularly ingesting plastic particles, with exposure likely mediated through prey species that had themselves ingested plastics. The study demonstrates trophic transfer of microplastics through a food chain to a marine mammal predator.
Microplastics in Antarctic penguins and seals in Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica
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Analysis of fresh scats from penguins and seals at King George Island, Antarctica found microplastics in approximately 30% of samples, including fibers and fragments of polyester and polypropylene, confirming microplastic ingestion by top predators in one of Earth's most remote ecosystems.
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