Microplastic interactions with North Atlantic mesopelagic fish

• DOI: 10.1093/icesjms/fsv241
• Publication Date: 2015-12-25T01:44:07Z
• Authors: Amy L. Lusher; Ciaran O'Donnell; Rick Officer; Ian O'Connor
• Keywords: Mesopelagic zone; Diel vertical migration

Abstract Microplastics in the marine environment are well documented, and interactions with biota have been described worldwide. However, vertically migrating fish poorly understood. The diel vertical migration of mesopelagic represents one, if not largest, biomass on planet, is thus an important link between euphotic zone, transporting carbon other nutrients to global deep sea communities. Knowledge how interact distribute plastic as a contaminant required these populations identified potential industrial fishery for fishmeal production. Ingestion microplastic by Northeast Atlantic was studied. Approximately 11% 761 examined had microplastics present their digestive tracts. No clear difference ingestion frequency species, location, behaviour, or time capture. While ingesting may negatively impact individual fish, movement from zone deeper waters could mediate transfer otherwise unexposed species regions world's oceans.