Title
Impact of marine debris recorded in a sympatric colony of otariids in the south coast of Peru
Date Issued
01 January 2022
Access level
metadata only access
Resource Type
journal article
Publisher(s)
Elsevier Ltd
Abstract
Marine debris, in particular plastic debris and debris related to fishing activities, have an impact on marine mammals and seabirds. In marine-coastal species such as otariids, we can detect the incidence of these interactions through land-based observations. In this study, we recorded and described interactions between marine debris and the otariids Arctocephalus australis and Otaria byronia in a natural protected area in Peru, according to age class categories. Between 2016 and 2020, we recorded 151 animals that were directly impacted and/or were observed interacting with marine debris. Residual collars from fishing gear, ropes, plastic bags and unidentified material were recorded. Direct interactions with debris at colonies (e.g., plastic bags) were also recorded, as well as animals evidenced interacting with hooks. The age class category and species with the highest number of individuals impacted by residual collars were adult female A. australis and subadult male O. byronia. Single-use plastics were the most commonly bitten/moved waste by animals in the reserve. In the case of hooks, these were mostly lodged in the mouths of otariids. Our results highlight the importance of continuing to promote segregation at source, as well as the correct disposal of waste, locally and globally, to mitigate impacts on marine fauna.
Volume
174
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Conservación de la Biodiversidad Biología marina, Biología de agua dulce, Limnología
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85122151425
PubMed ID
Source
Marine Pollution Bulletin
ISSN of the container
0025326X
Sponsor(s)
This work made possible thanks to the collaboration of interns, volunteers, thesis students and members of the Punta San Juan Program who, during their stay in the reserve, recorded the interactions and impacts of the animals with waste. Without them this work would not have been possible. We also recognize the inter-institutional support of the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia and government institutions such as SERNANP and Agrorural, who authorize the research and surveillance by biologist and researchers in this protected area. Finally, we would also like to thank the consortium of zoos (Saint Louis Zoo, Chicago Zoological Society, Kansas City Zoo and Woodland Park Zoo) for maintaining the sustainability of operations involving students and researchers during their stay at PSJ.
Sources of information: Directorio de Producción Científica Scopus