We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Global review of shark and ray entanglement in anthropogenic marine debris
AI summary Read the abstract
This global review compiled data on shark and ray entanglement in marine debris, emphasizing that plastic durability and widespread disposal behavior are responsible for the persistence of entanglement hazards in ocean environments. The review highlights that plastic debris entanglement represents a significant anthropogenic threat to elasmobranch conservation.
is inexpensive to produce, lightweight, durable and efficient in its uses Unfortunately, it is these properties, in conjunction with its disposable nature, rapid consumption by humans and poor waste governance, that leads to its presence and persistence in oceans, estimated as taking hundreds of years to degrade (Barnes et al. 2009).
More Papers Like This
The impact of debris on marine life.
AI summary Read the abstract
A systematic review of 340 publications documented encounters between 693 marine species and debris, with 92% of interactions involving plastic and 17% involving microplastics. The review established marine debris — especially plastic — as a major, widespread threat to marine biodiversity through entanglement, ingestion, and habitat degradation.
Interaction of elasmobranchs with litter in South Brazil: ingestion and oviposition patterns
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers documented elasmobranch (shark and ray) interactions with marine litter in southern Brazil, recording both ingestion of plastic debris and use of plastic materials as substrate for egg cases, revealing novel behavior-mediated exposure pathways.
Plastic Debris and Its Impacts on Marine Mammals
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how plastic debris in the world's oceans affects marine mammals through ingestion, entanglement, and chemical exposure, finding that the durability and widespread distribution of plastics make them a persistent and growing threat to cetaceans, pinnipeds, and other marine mammals.
Microplastics and other anthropogenic fibres in large apex shark species: Abundance, characteristics, and recommendations for future research
AI summary Read the abstract
This study provided the first investigation of microplastics and microfibres in large apex shark species, documenting their presence and characteristics across multiple species. The results confirm that microplastic contamination extends to marine megafauna at the top of the food web.
How plastic debris and associated chemicals impact the marine food web: A review.
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examined how plastic debris and associated chemicals disrupt marine food webs at all trophic levels, from physical entanglement and false satiation in megafauna to microplastic ingestion and chemical transfer through trophic magnification, concluding that plastic contamination poses systemic threats to marine ecosystem function.
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.