Can oviposition on marine litter pose a threat to marine fishes?. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De-la-Torre, Gabriel Enrique; Valderrama-Herrera, Miguel; Urizar Garfias Reyes, Damarisch Fernanda; Walker, Tony R.
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 185:Part B(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Oviparous -- Skates -- Batoids -- Egg capsules -- Plastic -- Pollution; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114375
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Marine litter colonization is widely investigated as an important pathway for the dispersal of potentially invasive species. However, this phenomenon may be impacting marine biota in other ways as well. In this viewpoint, we express our concerns regarding the potential loss of viable eggs of numerous oviparous fishes deposited on marine litter when large-scale stranding events occur. Our concerns are supported by personal observations of stranded marine litter harboring fresh and viable egg capsules ( Sympterygia sp.) and eggs (Family: Blenniidae), as well as reports in the literature. The loss of viable eggs from oviparous fishes is widely overlooked and poorly understood. Based on these knowledge gaps, we make a call for research and propose several research priorities to understand the impact of these events. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: Fish from various taxa deposit their eggs on marine litter. Oviposited marine litters wash ashore during stranding events. A significant number of viable eggs on stranded marine litter are lost. Research priorities in this line of research are discussed.