Microplastics Found in One-Third of Pacific Fish

A significant proportion of fish living in the coastal waters of Pacific Island Countries and Territories are contaminated with microplastics, according to new research.

Specifically, one-third of the fish examined contained microplastics, with the highest rates found in Fiji, according to the publication in the journal 'PLOS One'.

The research examined 878 coastal fish from 138 species, which were caught near Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. In Fiji, nearly 75% of the fish contained microplastics, a rate higher than the global average.

The researchers found that reef and bottom-dwelling fish were more likely to be contaminated with microplastics compared to open ocean fish.

The study highlights the widespread presence of microplastic pollution even in remote areas of the planet.