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Predicting the ecotoxicological impacts of microplastics in the Northern Salish Sea - a novel approach to marine risk assessment using GIS
Summary
This study used GIS-based risk assessment to predict the ecotoxicological impacts of microplastics on the Northern Salish Sea ecosystem, identifying pollution hotspots near populated coastlines. The novel spatial approach helps prioritize which marine areas are most at risk from microplastic contamination and need protective action.
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the world's oceans and have negatively impacted marine biota and ecosystem health. The Salish Sea, an inland sea ranging from Vancouver to Puget Sound, is an ecologically significant ecosystem. This study determined the areas in the Northern Salish Sea in which microplastics are likely to accumulate and subsequently where they are likely to cause ecological harm. Modelling and weighted raster analysis was performed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Areas of highest risk were identified, four key ecological areas of concern in relation to the results were investigated, and the potential impacts of microplastics on two key sensitive species (southern resident killer whales and Chinook salmon) were discussed. By identifying vulnerable areas and where microplastics are likely to accumulate, the results could be helpful for conservation managers, fisheries management, and natural resource managers.