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Ingestion of plastic by fish destined for human consumption in remote South Pacific Islands
Citation
Forrest, AK and Hindell, M, Ingestion of plastic by fish destined for human consumption in remote South Pacific Islands, Australian Journal of Maritime and Ocean Affairs, 10, (2) pp. 81-97. ISSN 1836-6503 (2018) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
© 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
DOI: doi:10.1080/18366503.2018.1460945
Abstract
Plastic marine debris is increasingly recognised as one of the
greatest threats to global oceans, and the humans who depend
on them. This study documents plastic ingestion in 24 species
caught or sold for human consumption in the South Pacific. Fish
were collected from local fishermen and markets in remote
locations, including French Polynesia, Lord Howe Island and
Henderson Island (Pitcairn group). Gastrointestinal tracts of 126
fish were visually examined and plastic was found in 7.9% of
individual fish and 25% of species. The plastics were mostly
microplastics (fragments, nurdles and rope). There was no
significant difference in plastic ingestion in relation to feeding
style, length, region or species. This is concerning as plastic
appears to be widespread across species, lifestyles and habitats.
This is the first report of plastic in South Pacific fish, raising
concerns about the transfer of pollutants in a region that is largely
oceanic and heavily dependent on seafood. The remote locations
of the study also provide evidence of the widespread nature of
this issue.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | fish, plastic, marine debris |
Research Division: | Earth Sciences |
Research Group: | Oceanography |
Research Field: | Biological oceanography |
Objective Division: | Environmental Management |
Objective Group: | Terrestrial systems and management |
Objective Field: | Assessment and management of terrestrial ecosystems |
UTAS Author: | Forrest, AK (Ms Alice Forrest) |
UTAS Author: | Hindell, M (Professor Mark Hindell) |
ID Code: | 131472 |
Year Published: | 2018 |
Deposited By: | Ecology and Biodiversity |
Deposited On: | 2019-03-19 |
Last Modified: | 2019-04-15 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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