Aquaculture & Fisheries

Plastic & Heavy Metal marine Debris

Plastic is like a sponge to many metals in our oceans. Plastics entering coastal waters both absorb and release cadmium, lead and other toxic metals. We know that plastic waste is overwhelming the ocean, sea life is dying from ingesting it and some even ends up in seafood. Plastic debris clutters the aquatic environment globally contaminating a diversity of organisms and habitats. It is composed of several different polymers, and their unique chemical ingredients may make some types of plastic more harmful than others. Metals, such as lead and cadmium, are often used in manufacturing of plastic and over time can enter coastal waters.