Drivers of microplastic accumulation in a densely canyoned continental margin: Insights from blackmouth catsharks (Galeus melastomus).

Microplastic pollution is widespread in marine environments, including deep-sea ecosystems. This study investigates the ingestion of microplastics by the blackmouth catshark Galeus melastomus in the densely canyoned continental margin of the Gulf of Lion in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. The gastrointestinal tracts of G.

Out of Sight, out of Mind? Evidence of Human-Induced Threats in the Elusive of the Mediterranean Sea.

Cetaceans in the Mediterranean Sea are increasingly exposed to a suite of anthropogenic threats, including fisheries interactions, vessel strikes, and environmental degradation. While much is known about these impacts on common species, deep-diving and elusive cetaceans like the beaked whale remain poorly studied due to their offshore distribution and brief surface intervals. This study reports a rare sighting of in the Western Mediterranean Sea exhibiting a significant dorsal laceration, potentially linked to human activity.

Plastic exposure risk for costal seabirds varies seasonally with freshwater runoff.

Marine litter, including Floating Marine Macro-Litter (FMML) and microplastics (MP), poses a major threat to marine ecosystems. This study investigates the seasonal distribution of FMML and MP in the Ebro Delta, a key Mediterranean wetland, and evaluates the potential risk to three tern species (family Laridae, subfamily Sterninae) that rely on the area for foraging and breeding. Seasonal surveys (October 2021-June 2022) were conducted using drone and manta trawl sampling for litter assessment, with tern densities estimated via distance sampling.

Characterization of plastic ingestion in urban gull chicks and its implications for their use as pollution sentinels in coastal cities.

The increase of plastic pollution represents a significant ecological threat, particularly in human-impacted environments. However, the effects of plastic ingestion by urban wildlife are less understood. This study investigates the presence of microplastic (MPs; plastic <5 mm in size) and macroplastics (MaPs, plastic >5 mm in size) in yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) chicks inhabiting the urban marine ecosystem of Barcelona (northeastern Spain).