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Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

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Peer-reviewed publication

Microplastic occurrence in 21 coastal marine fish species from fishing communities on Viti Levu, Fiji

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.