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In this study, we investigated for the first time anthropogenic microparticles in the franciscana dolphin Pontoporia blainvillei , the most endangered cetacean of the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. The intestinal content of the proximal and distal sections, and wall tissues of the proximal section of ten female dolphins collected during 2013–2023 were analyzed. All samples contained anthropogenic particles (%FO = 100). Fibers were the most abundant shape (99 %). Micro-Raman and micro-FTIR spectroscopies revealed the presence of polyester, polypropylene, acrylic, polyethylene, and semi-synthetic cotton polymers. Manufactured pigments such as reactive blue 238, Indigo 3600, and diarylide azo pigment (yellow 152) were also detected. We observed variations in the color and types of polymers present in the different sections of the intestine and within the wall tissue, suggesting a differential microplastic absorption. These findings confirm both the presence and absorption of microplastics in the intestines from franciscana dolphins. [Display omitted] • Intestinal contents of P. blainvillei dolphins were analyzed. • FO% of microplastic in all samples was 100 %. • Fibers were the most abundant, followed by films. • Spectroscopies revealed five polymers and four anthropogenic pigments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we examined the ingestion of marine debris (MD) in South American fur seals (SAFS), Arctocephalus australis , found dead in coastal beaches of northern Argentina and southern Brazil. Seven percent of 133 SAFS analyzed presented marine debris in their stomach (n = 10), with no differences between sampling countries (Brazil n = 7, Argentina n = 3) and sexes (female = 3; male = 6). However, significant differences were observed between ages classes, with MD exclusively present in stomach contents of young specimens. Plastics represents 90% of MD ingested by the SAFS, whereas regarding the source, fishery-related items (e.g. monofilament lines) were the main MD (70%), with a lesser proportion of packaging (e.g. pieces of bags). Low numbers but large size pieces of MD were found in each stomach affected. Negative effects on the individuals could not be fully evaluated. Therefore, the potential impacts of the marine debris to the SAFS deserve further elucidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we examined the ingestion of large marine debris (1 mm–1010 mm) in 21 odontocete species that were found dead or by-caught in low frequency in southern Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul State) and northern Argentina (Buenos Aires) between 1988 and 2020. Eight percent of the total individuals studied (13 out of 156), representing nine species, had ingested marine debris. Most of items were made of plastics (68 %), and within them, single-use plastic (e.g. plastic bags) were the dominant man-made items. Seven of the nine species that had ingested marine debris have been previously registered ingestion of this pollutant in other areas of their distribution. We also incorporated endemic odontocetes of the Southwest Atlantic Ocean to the list of affected marine organisms: the Burmeister's porpoise Phocoena spinipinnis , and the Lahille's bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops gephyreus. • We examined the ingestion of large marine debris (1mm-1010mm in size) in 156 individuals of 21 odontocetes species in southern Brazil and northern Argentina between 1988 and 2020. • Eight percent (8%) of the individuals, representing nine species, ingested marine debris. • Most of items were made of plastic (68%). • Two species are reported ingesting plastic for the first time: Phocoena spinipinnis and Tursiops gephyreus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the diet composition of franciscana dolphin, Pontoporia blainvillei, from the southern coast of Buenos Aires in Argentina, and interactions between marine mammals and fisheries. The overlapping of dolphins' prey species and commercial species that are subject to overfishing is analyzed. It found that the striped weakfish, Cynoscion guatucupa, and the squid, Loligo sanpaulensis, were important in the diet of franciscana dolphins.

Highlights: [•] This is the first report of MT concentrations in Franciscana dolphins. [•] Metal and MT levels were not associated to environmental impact. [•] MT levels correspond to physiological values according to ontogenetic changes. [•] Fetus presented higher levels of MT and essential metals than its mother. [•] There was a trend to decrease MT levels from early to later development stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Fine scale distribution of two Argentine stocks constrains the Cd accumulation rates. [•] Cadmium levels and accumulation patterns were different between geographic groups. [•] Marine diet has a major influence than the impact degree of origin environment. [•] Engraulis anchoita is the main Cd vector species in Argentine shelf for Franciscana. [•] Information is valuable for the conservation of Franciscana, a vulnerable species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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Abstract: Plastic debris (PD) ingestion was examined in 106 Franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) incidentally captured in artisanal fisheries of the northern coast of Argentina. Twenty-eight percent of the dolphins presented PD in their stomach, but no ulcerations or obstructions were recorded in the digestive tracts. PD ingestion was more frequent in estuarine (34.6%) than in marine (19.2%) environments, but the type of debris was similar. Packaging debris (cellophane, bags, and bands) was found in 64.3% of the dolphins, with a lesser proportion (35.7%) ingesting fishery gear fragments (monofilament lines, ropes, and nets) or of unknown sources (25.0%). PD ingestion correlated with ontogenetic changes in feeding regimes, reaching maximum values in recently weaned dolphins. Because a simultaneous increase in gillnet entanglement and the bioaccumulation of heavy metals take place at this stage, the first months after trophic independence should be considered as a key phase for the conservation of Franciscana dolphin stocks in northern Argentina. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Plastic is one of the most commonly found residues in the marine environment, which can cause several impacts. This study evaluated the interaction of marine litter with surf-zone trammel nets in Southern Brazil. Fifty fishing operations were sampled, where 4213 items were captured: 1500 discarded fish, 1384 fragments of marine litter, and 1329 utilized fishes. Plastics were the most abundant items (n = 1363), representing 98.4% of the registered marine litter, especially plastic bags (n = 1191). 94.5% of registered marine litter is considered as single-use waste. The interaction with marine litter can cause negative impacts to small-scale fisheries (e.g. economic and damage to fishing nets). We highlight the urgency in implementing actions for urban solid waste management and public policies to reduce single-use plastics and educational campaigns on the environmental theme. [Display omitted] • One-third of numerical captures of fishing nets are plastics. • About 95% of marine litter captures was single-used plastic. • Plastic bags was present in 98% of fishing operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the perils of plastics to living organisms including humans have been neglected for decades, they have recently been recognized as a major environmental problem worldwide. Little progress has been made on understanding the factors that drive species' and populations' susceptibilities to the ingestion of plastic. Here, we propose using nutritional ecology as a multidisciplinary framework for bridging the gaps that link nutrition, behavior, plastics, physiology and ecology. We show that nutritional niches are tightly linked to plastic ingestion, illustrating the application of our framework in the context of nutritional niche theory, habitat-specific foraging from species to populations, and transfer patterns in food webs., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Bio-energetic models used to characterize an animal's energy budget require the accurate estimate of different variables such as the resting metabolic rate (RMR) and the heat increment of feeding (HIF). In this study, we estimated the in air RMR of wild juvenile South American fur seals (SAFS; Arctocephalus australis) temporarily held in captivity by measuring oxygen consumption while at rest in a postabsorptive condition. HIF, which is an increase in metabolic rate associated with digestion, assimilation and nutrient interconversion, was estimated as the difference in resting metabolic rate between the postabsorptive condition and the first 3.5h postprandial. As data were hierarchically structured, linear mixed effect models were used to compare RMR measures under both physiological conditions. Results indicated a significant increase (61%) for the postprandial RMR compared to the postabsorptive condition, estimated at 17.93±1.84 and 11.15±1.91mL O2 min(-1)kg(-1), respectively. These values constitute the first estimation of RMR and HIF in this species, and should be considered in the energy budgets for juvenile SAFS foraging at-sea., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)