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In this study, we assessed plastic accumulation in marine sediments due to finfish aquaculture using floating net-pens. We studied plastic concentrations around three fish farms located at the Mediterranean coastline of Spain. The macroplastic categories and abundances were determined by video monitoring, detecting the majority of elements (78%), including ropes, nets and fibres, a basket trap and a cable tie, close to the facilities, which were not exclusively linked to fish farming but also to fishing activities. Concentrations of microplastics (<5 mm) ranged from 0 to 213 particles/kg dry weight sediment with higher values in sites directly under the influence of the fish farms. Most particles (27.8%) were within the size fraction from 1.1 to 2.0 mm and fibre was the most common shape with 62.2%. The Infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that PE and PP were the predominant types of polymers analysed. In addition, changes in the enthalpy of melting (ΔH m (J/g)) and the degree of crystallinity indicate degradation of the microplastics analysed. This study shows that, in the studied fish farms, levels of microplastic pollution can be one order of magnitude lower compared to other areas suffering other anthropogenic pressures from the same or similar regions. Nevertheless, more research effort is needed to get concluding results. Image 1 • Plastic accumulation in marine sediments due to finfish aquaculture has been studied. • Concentrations of microplastics ranged from 0 to 213 particles/kg dry weight sediment. • The FTIR analysis showed PE and PP as the predominant types of polymers analysed. • Changes in the enthalpy and crystallinity indicate degradation of microplastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the highlights of the Iberian Symposium of Studies on Marine Biology held at the University of Alicante in Spain from September 6 to 10, 2010. The event, which was attended by 268 participants from different countries, served as an opportunity for interaction between researchers and marine scientists. It featured 70 oral presentations concerning marine ecosystems and conservation of marine biodiversity. Daily plenary conferences on landscape ecology were also conducted.