Glob Chang Biol May 2021 PMID 33561314

Plastic ingestion by marine fish is widespread and increasing.

Matthew S Savoca, Alexandra G McInturf, Elliott L Hazen

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Mentions

131
Peak: 37 in Feb 2021
across 5 sources since Feb 2021

Extended reach

296,859
potential audience

Total likes

391

Video views

4,047

Mentions per month

Feb 2021 – Oct 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter60 posts
  • News58 articles
  • Blogs5 articles
  • YouTube4 videos
  • Facebook4 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reflect broad agreement on the severity and complexity of plastic ingestion in marine life, with posts citing detailed data such as the doubling of plastic ingestion rates over the last decade and stressing the need for global action. The tone combines scientific reporting with calls for policy change, demonstrating both curiosity and a sense of urgency.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions agree that plastic ingestion among marine fish is widespread and increasing, emphasizing concern and the urgency of addressing pollution.

InterestHigh interest

Posts show high engagement with the topic, referencing specific studies, data, and potential ecological impacts, indicating strong interest.

EngagementModerate engagement

Many discussions analyze research findings, mention methodologies, and explore ecological consequences, demonstrating active engagement.

ImpactHigh impact

The majority highlight the significance of the findings for environmental health and policy, suggesting they see this as a high-impact issue.

Abstract in brief

  • Plastic ingestion by marine fish is widespread and has increased significantly over the past decade, with 26% of studied species consuming plastic debris, including many of commercial importance.
  • The likelihood of plastic ingestion is influenced by factors such as water surface plastic abundance, fish behavior (demersal vs. pelagic), mobility, and trophic level, with surface and shallow water species more prone to ingestion.
  • Microplastics are now being expelled by some deep-sea fish, like mesopelagic myctophids, potentially transferring plastics from surface waters to the seafloor, highlighting complex ecological impacts and the need for further research.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Matthew Savoca
@DJShearwater · X

New pub out today in @GlobalChangeBio. We find plastic ingestion by marine fish remains a concern, and expected to worsen in the near future. However, patterns are complex, and much is unknown. But there are silver linings. Read the full paper (OA) here: https://t.co/sU6CSNICxs https://t.co/UkU8Athjiv

Feb 9, 2021 · 120 likes · 53 shares · 1,203 followers View post →
Dr. Garth Covernton
@GCovernton · X

I have a verrrry similar paper coming out in the next few weeks

Feb 12, 2021 · 26 likes · 3 shares · 1,023 followers View post →
Scott Coffin, Ph.D.
@DrSCoffin · X

@MicroplasticLab got me thinking - has #microplastics research increased in quality over time? A #micro-thread. @DJShearwater demonstrates monitoring studies have improved quality reporting over time (N = 110 studies). https://t.co/LIw7E9BEDS https://t.co/eB9oxkzDoJ

Feb 4, 2022 · 23 likes · 4 shares · 4,012 followers View post →
Global Change Biology
@GlobalChangeBio · X

|| EARLY VIEW || OPEN ACCESS || #Plastic ingestion by marine #fish is widespread and increasing @DJShearwater @AGMcInturf @elhazen @NOAAFisheries @WFCB_UCDavis @ucdavisbiology @HopkinsMarine @Stanford

Feb 10, 2021 · 12 likes · 6 shares · 18,451 followers View post →
Dr. Jennifer Provencher
@jenni_pro · X

Exiting to see this paper come out by friend/colleague @DJShearwater - I have seen sneak peeks of the graphs, and great to have this out!! - Plastic ingestion by marine fish is widespread and increasing https://t.co/I8Z5mgXpRd

Feb 12, 2021 · 9 likes · 3 shares · 4,310 followers View post →
Global Change Biology
@GlobalChangeBio · X

Read the open access article by @DJShearwater @AGMcInturf @elhazen https://t.co/GLKwFBjpZy https://t.co/sUOloKVWXH

Mar 8, 2021 · 6 likes · 3 shares · 18,451 followers View post →

All mentions

Green Sturgeon: Understanding Their Disappearance

This video explores the green sturgeon, a prehistoric fish facing significant threats. Through my Honors Contract Project, I delve into their challenges and express my findings through sculpture. Join me in…

trinh ha · Dec 11, 2021 2,303 views

Impact of Microplastics on Marine Food Chains

This video explores the impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems, focusing on the increasing ingestion of plastic by marine fish. Learn about the research presented by Claudia Abreu and Renata Alves, which…

Claudia Abreu · Apr 27, 2021 228 views
NECROPOLITICS
@BIOGEOPOLITICS · X

#Fish ARE EATING #PLASTIC and chemicals used in manufacturing #plastics are being ingested by humans. That's why we need a global #PlasticsTreaty Plastic ingestion by #marine #fish is widespread and increasing https://t.co/KGge9DAIM1 #NOAA @tanya_plibersek @Tony_Burke #CNN #UNEP

Nov 22, 2022 · 1 like · 3,803 followers View post →
Dr. Melanie Bergmann
@MelanieBergma18 · X

@r_heinmueck @butenunbinnen @AWI_de Ich bin gar nicht angefressen? Habe nur gerade wenig Zeit. Hier ist ein Übersichtsartikel über #Mikroplastik und Fische, den wir in unserer Studie mit drin hatten: https://t.co/KJ53ahnxic

Aug 23, 2022 · 6,432 followers View post →
Dr. Alex McInturf
@DrSurfNTurf · X

RT @MelanieBergma18: Important new meta-analysis by @DJShearwater et al. shows: „Across all studies that accounted for #microplastics, the…

Feb 6, 2022 · 6 shares · 1,252 followers View post →
Plastics impact campaign
@Plasticsimpact · X

RT @DrSCoffin: @MicroplasticLab got me thinking - has #microplastics research increased in quality over time? A #micro-thread. @DJShearwat…

Feb 6, 2022 · 4 shares · 10,632 followers View post →
Plastics impact campaign
@Plasticsimpact · X

RT @MelanieBergma18: Important new meta-analysis by @DJShearwater et al. shows: „Across all studies that accounted for #microplastics, the…

Feb 6, 2022 · 6 shares · 10,632 followers View post →
MikroPlastikDetektive
@MP_Detektiv · X

RT @MelanieBergma18: Important new meta-analysis by @DJShearwater et al. shows: „Across all studies that accounted for #microplastics, the…

Feb 6, 2022 · 6 shares · 134 followers View post →
@berlinerwassertisch@bewegung.social
@BWassertisch · X

RT @MelanieBergma18: Important new meta-analysis by @DJShearwater et al. shows: „Across all studies that accounted for #microplastics, the…

Feb 6, 2022 · 6 shares · 4,166 followers View post →
Dr. Melanie Bergmann
@MelanieBergma18 · X

Important new meta-analysis by @DJShearwater et al. shows: „Across all studies that accounted for #microplastics, the incidence rate of #plastic ingested by fish was 26%.Over the last decade this incidence has doubled, increasing by 2.4 ±0.4% per year.“

Feb 6, 2022 · 6 likes · 6 shares · 6,432 followers View post →
Nicolas Beriot
@NicolasBeriot · X

RT @DrSCoffin: @MicroplasticLab got me thinking - has #microplastics research increased in quality over time? A #micro-thread. @DJShearwat…

Feb 5, 2022 · 4 shares · 83 followers View post →
Toxicity of Microplastics Explorer
@ToMExApp · X

RT @DrSCoffin: @MicroplasticLab got me thinking - has #microplastics research increased in quality over time? A #micro-thread. @DJShearwat…

Feb 4, 2022 · 4 shares · 908 followers View post →
Scott Coffin, Ph.D.
@DrSCoffin · X

@MicroplasticLab got me thinking - has #microplastics research increased in quality over time? A #micro-thread. @DJShearwater demonstrates monitoring studies have improved quality reporting over time (N = 110 studies). https://t.co/LIw7E9BEDS https://t.co/eB9oxkzDoJ

Feb 4, 2022 · 23 likes · 4 shares · 4,012 followers View post →
Sarah Saldaña
@Surancy · X

RT @oceancleanup: #Plasticpollution has pervaded almost every facet of the #biosphere, yet the risk posed to #marinespecies and #humans is…

Aug 29, 2021 · 5 shares · 90 followers View post →
OPUS NATIONS
@PhilipDussaix · X

RT @oceancleanup: #Plasticpollution has pervaded almost every facet of the #biosphere, yet the risk posed to #marinespecies and #humans is…

Jul 7, 2021 · 5 shares · 168 followers View post →
Wiley Ecology & Evolution
@WileyEcolEvol · X

This research looks at plastic consumption risk by marine fish. These findings show that plastic ingestion is widespread and increasing. Read more in @GlobalChangeBio ➡️ https://t.co/DW6knYlb2L https://t.co/MaWNdrz7W3

Jun 25, 2021 · 5 likes · 4 shares · 46,029 followers View post →
James D
@tradougcions · X

RT @oceancleanup: #Plasticpollution has pervaded almost every facet of the #biosphere, yet the risk posed to #marinespecies and #humans is…

Apr 19, 2021 · 5 shares · 1,353 followers View post →
Dr. Melanie Bergmann
@MelanieBergma18 · X

New study by @DJShearwater et al. shows: "Over the last decade the prevalence of plastic ingestion by marine fish has doubled, increasing by 2.4% per year, as a result of improved detection methodologies as well as an increase in fish consuming #plastic." https://t.co/fAA5axeK3S

Apr 19, 2021 · 2 likes · 1 share · 6,432 followers View post →
Climate Change
@Kings_Cambridge · X

Plastic ingestion by marine fish is widespread and increasing https://t.co/z5eWryb6Yj #climatechange

Apr 17, 2021 · 953 followers View post →
Sara Curran
@saracscurran · X

Recent article about plastic being eaten by fish

Apr 5, 2021 · 1 like · 315 followers View post →
Erin Satterthwaite
@evsatterthwaite · X

RT @GlobalChangeBio: Read the open access article by @DJShearwater @AGMcInturf @elhazen https://t.co/GLKwFBjpZy https://t.co/sUOloKVWXH

Mar 8, 2021 · 3 shares · 1,057 followers View post →
Elliott Hazen
@elhazen · X

RT @GlobalChangeBio: Read the open access article by @DJShearwater @AGMcInturf @elhazen https://t.co/GLKwFBjpZy https://t.co/sUOloKVWXH

Mar 8, 2021 · 3 shares · 1,581 followers View post →
Dr. Alex McInturf
@DrSurfNTurf · X

RT @GlobalChangeBio: Read the open access article by @DJShearwater @AGMcInturf @elhazen https://t.co/GLKwFBjpZy https://t.co/sUOloKVWXH

Mar 8, 2021 · 3 shares · 1,252 followers View post →
Global Change Biology
@GlobalChangeBio · X

Read the open access article by @DJShearwater @AGMcInturf @elhazen https://t.co/GLKwFBjpZy https://t.co/sUOloKVWXH

Mar 8, 2021 · 6 likes · 3 shares · 18,451 followers View post →
Neilé Edens
@NeileEdens · X

Plastic ingestion by marine fish is widespread and increasing https://t.co/30YptaWz6K

Mar 5, 2021 · 74 followers View post →
Dr. Garth Covernton
@GCovernton · X

This recent paper by @DJShearwater used similar methods but with a slightly different focus on variables influencing frequencies of MP ingestion by marine fishes and makes an interesting comparison! https://t.co/Jjz8xQdnty

Feb 24, 2021 · 4 likes · 1,023 followers View post →
White Rhino Films
@_WhiteRh · X

RT @IUCN_Plastics: Plastic ingestion by marine fish is widespread, and increasing. A new paper to share: https://t.co/3x22N1lS7y This is…

Feb 24, 2021 · 1 share · 65 followers View post →
IUCN Plastics
@IUCN_Plastics · X

Plastic ingestion by marine fish is widespread, and increasing. A new paper to share: https://t.co/3x22N1lS7y This is another reason why we must close the plastic tap to #beatplasticpollution

Feb 24, 2021 · 2 likes · 1 share · 4,497 followers View post →
Degs568
@degs568 · X

RT @oceancleanup: #Plasticpollution has pervaded almost every facet of the #biosphere, yet the risk posed to #marinespecies and #humans is…

Feb 22, 2021 · 5 shares · 30 followers View post →
OdoBehave
@odobehave · X

RT @oceancleanup: #Plasticpollution has pervaded almost every facet of the #biosphere, yet the risk posed to #marinespecies and #humans is…

Feb 22, 2021 · 5 shares · 1,096 followers View post →
Ocean Voyages Institute
@oceancleanup · X

#Plasticpollution has pervaded almost every facet of the #biosphere, yet the risk posed to #marinespecies and #humans is unknown. Your support will help OVI remove #1millionlbs of plastics from the #oceans. https://t.co/XayYPXgeqt #endplasticwaste https://t.co/XlDitHHKV8

Feb 22, 2021 · 3 likes · 5 shares · 4,176 followers View post →
ECOGIG - Ocean Ecosystem Research
@DeepseaECOGIG · X

Marine fish around the world ingest a huge amount of plastic - and that number is increasing. Not only that, they consume it and then poop it out, effectively transporting it between the surface and the deep sea. https://t.co/EiWrL3KR34 https://t.co/CmAXp4G1c5

Feb 17, 2021 · 1,724 followers View post →
Bridie Allan
@_seachange · X

RT @GCovernton: I have a verrrry similar paper coming out in the next few weeks

Feb 14, 2021 · 3 shares · 1,234 followers View post →
Dr Raul Pacheco-Vega
@raulpacheco · X

RT @jenni_pro: Exiting to see this paper come out by friend/colleague @DJShearwater - I have seen sneak peeks of the graphs, and great to h…

Feb 14, 2021 · 3 shares · 70,073 followers View post →
PolarQuest
@PolarquestOrg · X

RT @Giuseppe_Suaria: #Plastic ingestion by marine #fish is widespread and increasing https://t.co/dSB3jgopKr

Feb 13, 2021 · 1 share · 702 followers View post →
Dorothy Horn
@MPsImpactOceans · X

RT @jenni_pro: Exiting to see this paper come out by friend/colleague @DJShearwater - I have seen sneak peeks of the graphs, and great to h…

Feb 12, 2021 · 3 shares · 1,339 followers View post →
Dr. Jennifer Provencher
@jenni_pro · X

RT @GCovernton: I have a verrrry similar paper coming out in the next few weeks

Feb 12, 2021 · 3 shares · 4,310 followers View post →
Dr. Jennifer Provencher
@jenni_pro · X

Exiting to see this paper come out by friend/colleague @DJShearwater - I have seen sneak peeks of the graphs, and great to have this out!! - Plastic ingestion by marine fish is widespread and increasing https://t.co/I8Z5mgXpRd

Feb 12, 2021 · 9 likes · 3 shares · 4,310 followers View post →
Scott Coffin, Ph.D.
@DrSCoffin · X

RT @GCovernton: I have a verrrry similar paper coming out in the next few weeks

Feb 12, 2021 · 3 shares · 4,012 followers View post →
Dr. Garth Covernton
@GCovernton · X

I have a verrrry similar paper coming out in the next few weeks

Feb 12, 2021 · 26 likes · 3 shares · 1,023 followers View post →
Christine Wilkinson, PhD
@ScrapNaturalist · X

RT @GlobalChangeBio: || EARLY VIEW || OPEN ACCESS || #Plastic ingestion by marine #fish is widespread and increasing @DJShearwater @AGMcIn…

Feb 12, 2021 · 6 shares · 8,677 followers View post →
Dr. Melanie Bergmann
@MelanieBergma18 · X

Important new study by @DJShearwater et al. finds "Across all studies that accounted for #microplastics, the incidence rate of #plastic ingested by fish was 26%. Over the last decade this incidence has doubled, increasing by 2.4 ± 0.4% per year.

Feb 11, 2021 · 6,432 followers View post →
Giuseppe Suaria
@Giuseppe_Suaria · X

#Plastic ingestion by marine #fish is widespread and increasing https://t.co/dSB3jgopKr

Feb 11, 2021 · 4 likes · 1 share · 747 followers View post →
Progressum
@Made_in_Alsace · X

RT @kill_th_plastic: Lien vers la publication de l'étude: https://t.co/VNZz9mh7Wv

Feb 11, 2021 · 1 share · 2,268 followers View post →
Kill the plastic
@kill_th_plastic · X

Lien vers la publication de l'étude: https://t.co/VNZz9mh7Wv

Feb 11, 2021 · 1 like · 1 share · 1,773 followers View post →
Ordo Fraterna Fibonacci
@OrdoFibonacci · X

Plastic ingestion by marine fish is widespread and increasing https://t.co/js7FHhzgmn

Feb 10, 2021 · 2,569 followers View post →
Hopkins Marine Station Stanford University
@HopkinsMarine · X

RT @GlobalChangeBio: || EARLY VIEW || OPEN ACCESS || #Plastic ingestion by marine #fish is widespread and increasing @DJShearwater @AGMcIn…

Feb 10, 2021 · 6 shares · 7,681 followers View post →
Matthew Savoca
@DJShearwater · X

RT @GlobalChangeBio: || EARLY VIEW || OPEN ACCESS || #Plastic ingestion by marine #fish is widespread and increasing @DJShearwater @AGMcIn…

Feb 10, 2021 · 6 shares · 1,203 followers View post →
Dr. Alex McInturf
@DrSurfNTurf · X

RT @GlobalChangeBio: || EARLY VIEW || OPEN ACCESS || #Plastic ingestion by marine #fish is widespread and increasing @DJShearwater @AGMcIn…

Feb 10, 2021 · 6 shares · 1,252 followers View post →
Elliott Hazen
@elhazen · X

RT @GlobalChangeBio: || EARLY VIEW || OPEN ACCESS || #Plastic ingestion by marine #fish is widespread and increasing @DJShearwater @AGMcIn…

Feb 10, 2021 · 6 shares · 1,581 followers View post →
David J Suggett
@DavidJSuggett · X

RT @GlobalChangeBio: || EARLY VIEW || OPEN ACCESS || #Plastic ingestion by marine #fish is widespread and increasing @DJShearwater @AGMcIn…

Feb 10, 2021 · 6 shares · 4,122 followers View post →
Global Change Biology
@GlobalChangeBio · X

|| EARLY VIEW || OPEN ACCESS || #Plastic ingestion by marine #fish is widespread and increasing @DJShearwater @AGMcInturf @elhazen @NOAAFisheries @WFCB_UCDavis @ucdavisbiology @HopkinsMarine @Stanford

Feb 10, 2021 · 12 likes · 6 shares · 18,451 followers View post →
Climate Change
@Kings_Cambridge · X

Plastic ingestion by marine fish is widespread and increasing https://t.co/atUjsIHu7m #climatechange

Feb 10, 2021 · 953 followers View post →
Shawan Chowdhury (শাওন চৌধুরী)
@shawan_c · X

RT @DJShearwater: New pub out today in @GlobalChangeBio. We find plastic ingestion by marine fish remains a concern, and expected to worsen…

Feb 9, 2021 · 53 shares · 2,049 followers View post →
Sammy Andrzejaczek
@DrSammyShark · X

RT @DJShearwater: New pub out today in @GlobalChangeBio. We find plastic ingestion by marine fish remains a concern, and expected to worsen…

Feb 9, 2021 · 53 shares · 1,661 followers View post →
Matt Koller
@mattkoller88 · X

RT @DJShearwater: New pub out today in @GlobalChangeBio. We find plastic ingestion by marine fish remains a concern, and expected to worsen…

Feb 9, 2021 · 53 shares · 176 followers View post →
Evan Eskew
@evanaeskew · X

RT @DJShearwater: New pub out today in @GlobalChangeBio. We find plastic ingestion by marine fish remains a concern, and expected to worsen…

Feb 9, 2021 · 53 shares · 283 followers View post →
Rachel Wigginton
@WetlandWiggy · X

RT @DJShearwater: New pub out today in @GlobalChangeBio. We find plastic ingestion by marine fish remains a concern, and expected to worsen…

Feb 9, 2021 · 53 shares · 927 followers View post →
Dr. Mickey Agha
@mickey_agha · X

RT @DJShearwater: New pub out today in @GlobalChangeBio. We find plastic ingestion by marine fish remains a concern, and expected to worsen…

Feb 9, 2021 · 53 shares · 495 followers View post →
Heather Welch
@Heather_M_Welch · X

RT @DJShearwater: New pub out today in @GlobalChangeBio. We find plastic ingestion by marine fish remains a concern, and expected to worsen…

Feb 9, 2021 · 53 shares · 686 followers View post →
Sergi Pérez Jorge
@sergiperezjorge · X

RT @DJShearwater: New pub out today in @GlobalChangeBio. We find plastic ingestion by marine fish remains a concern, and expected to worsen…

Feb 9, 2021 · 53 shares · 491 followers View post →
Matthew Savoca
@DJShearwater · X

New pub out today in @GlobalChangeBio. We find plastic ingestion by marine fish remains a concern, and expected to worsen in the near future. However, patterns are complex, and much is unknown. But there are silver linings. Read the full paper (OA) here: https://t.co/sU6CSNICxs https://t.co/UkU8Athjiv

Feb 9, 2021 · 120 likes · 53 shares · 1,203 followers View post →