Fish as a Bioindicator of Microplastic Contamination in the Mediterranean Sea: State of Knowledge

Abstract

Fish provide numerous benefits to humans as an affordable food source, rich in animal protein. However, fish species are threatened by marine plastic pollution, which affects their health and nutritional value. To date, the available data are not sufficient to carry out a consistent assessment of the plastic potential risks to human health. The present chapter analyses the state of knowledge about plastic pollution and the use of fish species as bioindicators in the Mediterranean Sea. The analysis shows that an increase in microplastic contamination in the Mediterranean Sea would worsen the state of its fisheries’ stocks, which already suffer from a lack of correct and adequate management and preventive measures that has resulted in the deterioration of marine resources. In addition, there is a recommendation to prioritize the assessment of plastic content and potential effects in the most consumed fish species in the Mediterranean, such as sardine, anchovy and bluefin tuna – reported to be highly contaminated by microplastics – in order to avoid possible effects on consumers.