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Using a non‐invasive technique to identify suspected microplastics in grey seals ( Halichoerus grypus ) living in the western North Sea
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Faecal samples from living wild grey seals in the western North Sea were analyzed for suspected microplastics, representing the first non-invasive record of microplastic exposure in this wild pinniped population. The study demonstrates that faecal analysis can provide indirect evidence of microplastic ingestion in free-ranging marine mammals without requiring capture or euthanasia.
The present study indicates that marine mammals are ingesting microplastics and that faecal material can be used to indirectly and non-invasively record microplastic uptake data in pinnipeds. Since the current paper is the first to document potential microplastic exposure among wild, living and free-ranging grey seals of the western North Sea, further research is needed to begin to understand the biological significance of these findings.
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Investigating Microplastic Presence Amongst Grey Seals (Halichoerus Grypus) of the North Sea
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Researchers analyzed fecal samples from grey seals in the North Sea and found 71 microplastic particles — mostly fibers and fragments — confirming that wild marine mammals in European waters are ingesting microplastics through their prey. Marine mammals at the top of the food chain can accumulate microplastics from the fish they eat.
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.
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.
Occurrence of Microplastics in Harbour Seals (Phoca vitulina) and Grey Seals (Halichoerus grypus) from German Waters
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The gastrointestinal tracts of 63 harbour and grey seals from German North Sea and Baltic Sea waters were examined for microplastics, with 540 suspected particles identified in intestinal samples and 228 in stomach samples, predominantly fibers and fragments. No significant correlations were found between microplastic presence and parasite infestation or inflammatory responses, though fragments showed evidence of retention in the gut.
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Fecal samples from 44 northern fur seals across their eastern Pacific range were analyzed for microplastics, with plastic fragments found in 55% and fibers in 41% of scats, and a mean of 16.6 fragments/scat among positive samples. The study documents microplastic exposure in a marine mammal species consumed by humans, raising questions about potential exposure during subsistence harvesting.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.