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First evidence of presence of plastic debris in stomach of large pelagic fish in the Mediterranean Sea
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Researchers examined stomach contents of large predatory fish including swordfish and bluefin tuna caught in the Mediterranean Sea and found plastic debris in about 18% of the specimens. The ingested plastics ranged from tiny microplastics to large fragments, and were primarily polyethylene and polyester. This is the first study documenting plastic ingestion in large pelagic Mediterranean fish, suggesting that even top ocean predators are exposed to plastic pollution.
This study focuses, for the first time, on the presence of plastic debris in the stomach contents of large pelagic fish (Xiphias gladius, Thunnus thynnus and Thunnus alalunga) caught in the Mediterranean Sea between 2012 and 2013. Results highlighted the ingestion of plastics in the 18.2% of samples. The plastics ingested were microplastics (<5mm), mesoplastics (5-25mm) and macroplastics (>25mm). These preliminary results represent an important initial phase in exploring two main ecotoxicological aspects: (a) the assessment of the presence and impact of plastic debris on these large pelagic fish, and (b) the potential effects related to the transfer of contaminants on human health.
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Microplastic characterization in the stomachs of swordfish (Xiphias gladius) from the western Mediterranean Sea
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Researchers analyzed the stomachs of 49 swordfish from the western Mediterranean Sea and found microplastics in 80% of them, predominantly small fibers made of polyethylene terephthalate. Comparing samples from two time periods showed that the frequency of microplastic ingestion increased over time, rising from about 70% to 90% of fish examined. The study highlights growing microplastic exposure in large predatory fish that are widely consumed by humans.
Study of the presence of macroplastics and microplastics in the stomach content of juvenile bluefin tunas and their diet in the Mediterranean Sea.
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Researchers studied the occurrence of both macroplastics and microplastics in the stomach contents of juvenile Atlantic bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean Sea, examining how widespread plastic pollution in one of the world's most contaminated seas affects a commercially and ecologically important large predator.
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Researchers detected microplastics — ranging from 140 to 270 particles per kilogram of edible muscle — in swordfish and bluefin tuna caught in the Mediterranean Sea, with polypropylene being the most common polymer type in both species. This confirms that microplastic contamination has reached large, commercially important fish consumed by people across the region.
Study of the presence of macroplastics and microplastics in the stomach content of juvenile bluefin tunas and their diet in the Mediterranean Sea.
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Researchers examined microplastic and macroplastic ingestion in juvenile bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus, 20-40 cm) captured in recreational fishing contests at multiple sites along the Spanish Mediterranean coast, studying 300 individuals to assess stomach contents and dietary interactions. The study represented the first investigation of microplastic ingestion and its relationship to prey diet in juvenile bluefin tuna, a commercially and ecologically important top predator.
Plastic for dinner? Observations of frequent debris ingestion by pelagic predatory fishes from the central North Pacific
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Researchers documented frequent ingestion of plastic debris by large predatory pelagic fishes — including mahi-mahi, opah, and swordfish — sampled from the central North Pacific between 2007 and 2012. The findings demonstrate that plastic contamination extends beyond small planktivorous fish and seabirds to apex pelagic predators, with implications for trophic transfer of associated chemical contaminants.
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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.