Pinniped entanglement in oceanic plastic pollution : a global review

• Published in: Marine Pollution Bulletin
• Main Authors: Jepsen, Emma M., De Bruyn, P.J. Nico
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2019
• Subjects: Pinniped; Entanglement; Oceanic plastic pollution; Ghost-fishing; Observer bias; Abandoned; lost or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG); Arctocephalus gazella
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2263/71228; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.05.042

Oceanic plastic pollution is a growing worldwide environmental concern, endangering numerous marine species. Pinnipeds are particularly susceptible to entanglement, especially in abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear and packaging straps. We searched three international databases to compile a comprehensive review of all reported pinniped entanglements over the last 40 years, with the aim to identify areas of concern and foci for mitigation. The majority of published records of entanglement emanate from North America and Oceania and are focused on a few populous species (notably, Zalophus californianus and Arctocephalus gazella). Reporting bias, skewed research effort and incomplete understanding of plastic pollution and pinniped abundance overlap, combine to cloud our understanding of the entanglement problem. Broader geographical effort in entanglement data collection, reporting of such data, and improved quantification of the proportions of populations, sexes and ages that are most susceptible, will aid our efforts to pinpoint priority mitigation measures. http://www.elsevier.com/locate/marpolbul 2020-08-01 hj2019 Mammal Research Institute Zoology and Entomology