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Microplastics in Fisheries and Aquaculture: What do we know? Should we be worried?

Year of publication 2019

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 12p.

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (stand-alone)

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) Microplastics are gaining an increasing focus both in the scientific literature and in the media. The fisheries and aquaculture sector is often pointed out as an important contributor to microplastics pollution and there are some concerns about ecological impacts, as well as the implications for fish consumers. FAO released a technical paper that takes stock of the scientific information available on this topic. This brochure highlights the main findings of the technical paper and targets a wide audience including policy makers, as part of the awareness raising on microplastics and demystification of the consequences for humans' health. The brochure explains the definition of microplastics and their origin. It provides an overview of the fate of microplastics in oceans and their impacts on the marine fauna. Results on microplastics implications for food safety are also summarized, together with the remaining gaps in the current knowledge. The brochure ends with a set of take-away messages.

Language English

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