Microplastics in Fish and Seafood Species

Summary

This chapter presents an update on the status of knowledge surrounding microplastics in fish and seafood species and the consequences to the seafood supply chain. Seafood species can uptake microplastics through a variety of pathways, such as in a wild or aquaculture setting. The most studied routes are via ingestion, either directly from the environment or indirectly via trophic transfer from prey. Microplastics may be introduced along the seafood supply chain up from culture and capture to the preparation of meals by vendors or during preparation by the consumer. Microplastics that are internalized by, or in terms of seaweeds – adhered to, species targeted as seafood could represent one way in which microplastics enter the seafood supply chain. Microplastics could be introduced into seafood products during processing. Packaging could further introduce microplastics to the surface of food products. Seafood products are often packaged in plastics before transport.