Anthropogenic marine debris and invasive species are pervasive in the ocean. However, research on the mechanisms and dynamics controlling their distribution in marine systems (e.g.; by floating debris acting as vectors for invasive species) is limited. Applying a numerical modeling approach, we demonstrate that rafting invasive corals (Tubastraea spp.) can be transported over long distances and reach important tropical receptor regions. In <180 days, buoyant debris can cover distances between 264 and 7170 km moving from the Brazilian semiarid coast to the Amazon coast and reaching eight regions in the Wider Caribbean (mainly the Eastern Caribbean and Greater Antilles). Analyzing 48 simulated scenarios (4 years × 3 depths × 4 months), we demonstrate that in ~86 % of the scenarios the particles are stranded in the Caribbean and in ~71 % they end up in the Amazon coast. Our results showed litter floating trajectories at 0-10 m water depth, transported every year to the Caribbean province. However, in August this transport is frequently blocked by the retroflection of the North Brazil Current adjacent to the Amazon River estuarine plume. Our results indicate routes for fast and long-distance transport of litter-rafting invasive species. We hypothesized a high risk of bioinvasion on important marine ecosystems (e.g., coral reefs) likely becoming increasingly threatened by these invasive species and debris. This highlights the imperative need for an ocean governance shift in prevention, control, and eradication, not only focused on local actions to prevent the spread of invasive species but also a broad international action to decrease and mitigate marine debris pollution globally.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165637 | DOI Listing |
J Hazard Mater
December 2024
College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
Biodegradation of microplastics facilitated by natural marine biofouling is a promising approach for ocean bioremediation. However, implementation requires a comprehensive understanding of how interactions between the marine microbiome and dominant microplastic debris types (e.g.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Ethnopharmacol
January 2025
Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150040, China. Electronic address:
Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Cuttlebone (CB), also known as SEPIAE ENDOCONCHA, is the inner shell of cuttlefish and has been employed in traditional medicine in numerous countries since antiquity. Despite its significant medicinal value, CB is often underestimated and discarded on the beach as debris in some countries, which considerably impacts the environment and economy.
The Aim Of The Review: This study aims to elucidate the value of CB, particularly in the context of its medicinal properties, to promote its rational utilization.
Mar Environ Res
January 2025
Department of Ocean Studies and Marine Biology, Pondicherry University, Andaman Campus, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Port Blair, 744112, India. Electronic address:
The hermit crabs are 'ecosystem engineers' and are a critical link in the oceanic food web. Six species of genus Coenobita are reported in the group of Andaman and Nicobar Islands namely, Coenobita rugosus, C. brevimanus, C.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMar Pollut Bull
January 2025
Water Quality Laboratory, National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM), Lot 5377, Jalan Putra Permai, Rizab Melayu Sungai Kuyoh, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia.
Plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems has become a critical global environmental challenge, threatening biodiversity, water quality, and human health. This study investigates macroplastics distribution and characterization in the highly polluted Klang River, Malaysia, and proposes a protocol to compute total macroplastic yield in the river basin. A total of 240 macroplastic items were collected over a 20-km stretch from the river mouth inland, with an average of 0.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMar Pollut Bull
January 2025
California State University, Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive ST 305, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA. Electronic address:
Marine debris such as plastic, metal, and rubber, is a significant source of anthropogenic waste pollution in oceanic waters. Debris continues to be found along Southern California's coastlines and poses serious risks to biodiversity and ecosystem health through entrapment, ingestion, and entanglement. One particular species that drops eggs in the South Bay, particularly in the Palos Verdes peninsula, is the California horn shark (Heterodontus francisci).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!