Plastic contamination of a Galapagos Island (Ecuador) and the relative risks to native marine species

A comprehensive analysis of plastic contamination in the Galapagos Islands reveals widespread yet low concentrations of microplastics, with significant accumulation on east-facing beaches influenced by ocean currents. The study found that only 2% of macroplastic waste originates from local littering and waste management, indicating a substantial input from external sources. Microplastics were detected in all seven marine invertebrate species examined, confirming their presence throughout the Galapagos marine food web. Additionally, a priority scoring analysis identified 27 marine vertebrate species at high risk due to plastic ingestion or entanglement, including pinnipeds, seabirds, turtles, and sharks, underscoring the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts.

Jones, J. S., Porter, A., Muñoz-Pérez, J. P., Alarcón-Ruales, D., Galloway, T. S., Godley, B. J., Santillo, D., Vagg, J., & Lewis, C. (2021). Plastic contamination of a Galapagos Island (Ecuador) and the relative risks to native marine species. Science of the Total Environment, 789, 147704. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147704