Publication Date
2019
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Environmental microplastics are widely documented in marine life and bioaccumulation may present risks to marine predators. Investigations of microplastics in marine mammals are increasing, though none have examined animals routinely consumed by humans. Here, we investigate microplastic exposure in the northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus), a species consumed by humans, using fecal material. We examined 44 feces (scat) at sites encompassing the seals' eastern Pacific range. Multiple contamination control measures were implemented, including field and laboratory controls. Fragments were the most common microplastic recovered, in 55% (24/44) of scat and no controls (range 1 to 86 fragments/scat, mean 16.6, sd 19.1). Microplastic fibers were recovered from 41% of scats (18/44), though some controls contained fibers confounding fiber results. Fecal analysis documented northern fur seal exposure to microplastics throughout their eastern Pacific range. © 2018
Publication Title
Marine Pollution Bulletin
Volume
138
First Page
213
Last Page
221
DOI
10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.11.036
Publisher Policy
post print (12 month embargo)
Open Access Status
OA Deposit
Recommended Citation
Donohue, M.J.; Masura, J.; Gelatt, T.; Ream, R.; Baker, J.D.; Faulhaber, K.; and Lerner, D.T., "Evaluating Exposure of Northern Fur Seals, Callorhinus Ursinus, to Microplastic Pollution Through Fecal Analysis" (2019). SIAS Faculty Publications. 1026.
https://digitalcommons.tacoma.uw.edu/ias_pub/1026
