Drova Eseta, Tuqiri Nanise, Prasad Krishal, Rosi Atelaite, Gadekilakeba Talei, Bai Amelia, Tunaka Epineri, Williams Laura, Varea Rufino, Brown Kelly, Dehm Jasha
Centre for Sustainable Futures, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji; School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Oceans and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji.
Ministry of Fisheries, The Government of Fiji, Augustus Street, Toorak, Suva, Fiji.
Mar Pollut Bull. 2025 Jul;216:118045. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118045. Epub 2025 Apr 25.
Microplastic contamination in fish is a growing concern in Fiji's marine ecosystems, yet comprehensive data across diverse species and fishing grounds remain scarce. This study analyses microplastic ingestion in 184 fish from 21 species across three Viti Levu communities (Galoa, Silana, Yadua). Microplastics were found in 74 % of fish, with 399 particles identified: fibers (66 %), fragments (20 %), and films (14 %). Dominant polymers included polyethylene (20 %), polypropylene (19 %), polyethylene terephthalate (18 %), nylon (16 %), and nitrile (8 %). The average concentration (2.17 ± 0.16 particles/individual (mean ± standard error)) was lower than in urbanized Fijian regions, but occurrence frequency was higher. Species-level variations in microplastic presence and particle characteristics highlight contamination risks in coastal fishing grounds. This dataset, the largest of its kind for Fiji, establishes a critical baseline for monitoring plastic pollution, supporting sustainable fisheries management and regional mitigation strategies.
