Microplastic contamination in large migratory fishes collected in the open Atlantic Ocean

Fishes are one of the most important components of the oceans and are exposed to several anthropogenic pressures, namely microplastic (MP), contaminants that are now ubiquitous worldwide. Taking advantage of the 2020 Circumnavigation Expedition carried by the NRP Sagres tall ship of the Portuguese Navy, fish samples from the southern Atlantic ocean were collected to evaluate possible MP contamination. In a total of 14 weeks of campaign, seven large migratory fishes of commercial interest were collected across the middle Atlantic Ocean and along the South American Atlantic coast. All individuals were contaminated with MPs, with an average of 18 ± 11 MPs/fish. In all fish sampled, both the gastrointestinal tract and gills presented MPs, indicating different contamination pathways including via their preys and from surrounding water, respectively. A total of 124 MPs were observed, where 72 % were fibers and 28 % particles, mostly of blue color (85 %), and with rayon and nylon as the most abundant polymers. This study is an important contribution to increase the scientific knowledge of MP contamination in mesopelagic fishes used for human consumption and collected in the open waters, reinforcing the need for further research regarding MP contamination in top predatory species from high trophic levels.