Microplastics in 3/4 of fish in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean

Approximately 3/4 of fish in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean living at an ocean depth of 200～1000m contain microplastics in their stomach.

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic measuring less than 5mm in diameter. Originally thrown away by humans as plastic waste, and then carried away by the ocean where it pollutes the environment, microplastics have become a serious issue.

Plastic is a material that becomes brittle and breaks apart into small fragments over time. However, unlike paper or wood, plastic doesn’t decompose, and instead continues to drift in the oceans. These microplastics are then eaten by fish that we in turn consume.

Unfortunately, the adverse health effects of microplastics are not yet fully understood.

(Translated by Brandon)