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Microplastics Invade Manta Ray Feeding Grounds Giving Rise to the Effects of Global Plastic Pollution
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Researchers found high levels of tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in the waters where manta rays feed, meaning these plastics are building up in ocean ecosystems that support marine life. This matters for people too: manta rays feed the same way many small fish do, filtering huge amounts of water for food, so widespread ocean plastic pollution likely also affects seafood we eat and the broader food chain we depend on.
Ulmer, Meghan
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Microplastics on the Menu: Plastics Pollute Indonesian Manta Ray and Whale Shark Feeding Grounds
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Plastic abundance was surveyed at feeding grounds for manta rays and whale sharks in three coastal Indonesian locations using plankton net trawls and visual surveys, finding microplastics throughout waters in a global marine biodiversity hotspot. The study highlights the risk posed by plastic pollution to large filter-feeding megafauna in one of the world's most plastic-polluted regions.
From megafauna to microplastics: Understanding habit use reveals potential threats to Indonesia's manta rays
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Researchers used tracking data and habitat models to assess threats to manta rays in Indonesia, including fishing interactions, tourism pressure, and environmental contamination. The paper identifies microplastic exposure as a concern for filter-feeding manta rays that ingest large volumes of water along with their prey.
A microplastic meal: A baseline assessment of microplastic polymer presence within manta-ray (Mobula alfredi) feeding grounds at D'Arros Island and the St. Joseph Atoll
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Researchers used plankton tows at reef manta ray feeding grounds in the Seychelles to characterize microplastic polymer types present, identifying polybutylene terephthalate as the dominant polymer and flagging polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, PVC, and PBT as very high concern — though total microplastic abundance did not correlate with zooplankton biomass, suggesting manta rays do not preferentially ingest more MPs at active feeding aggregations.
No escape from microplastics: Contamination of reef manta ray feeding areas in a remote, protected archipelago
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Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) feeding areas within a remote, protected archipelago, finding that even isolated marine protected areas are not free from microplastic pollution, raising concerns about filter-feeding marine megafauna in decline.
What's in the soup? Visual characterization and polymer analysis of microplastics from an Indonesian manta ray feeding ground
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Microplastics collected from an Indonesian manta ray feeding ground were characterized for polymer type and physical properties, finding a diverse mix of synthetic polymers that mirrors the plastic pollution profile of Indonesian coastal waters.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.