World Aquaculture September 2018

WWW.WA S.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • SEP TEMBER 2018 27 There is no question that microplastics occur within marine animals. These particles are ubiquitous and it is to be expected that wherever one looks they will be found but every discovery does not warrant a new publication. What is in question is the extent of impacts (if any) on these marine animals. Identifying detrimental impacts quickly garners the attention of funding agencies as well as the public. Just as important are findings that demonstrate no impacts but these results rarely make the news. Recent efforts to raise a public scare by noting that humans may be consuming microplastics are both premature and irresponsible. One microparticle (or even 5 or 10) cannot be extracted reliably from an entire mussel or oyster with any degree of confidence. And even if it can, is that really of any consequence for the shellfish or, as some have suggested, human health? Most likely not on either point. Experiments are currently underway in our laboratory to address this. There are very few studies that clearly and reliably demonstrate any negative impacts of microplastics on bivalve molluscs and none have demonstrated any adverse human health impacts of eating shellfish purportedly contaminated with microplastics. There are conflicting reports on the actual versus potential role of microplastics as vectors for transfer of drugs and pollutants that adhere to particles. There is currently no clear evidence that accumulated microplastics are a hazard in this regard in bivalve molluscs. A recent article realistically noted that one is exposed to more plastic fiber during a meal via dust fallout in a household (13,000 - 68,000 particles/yr/ capita) than from the shellfish on their plate (perhaps 1-10 particles/ shellfish). More data are needed to confirm potential impacts but current media hype and scare tactics with regard to ‘potential’ impacts are irresponsible, unwarranted and dangerous. All of this is not to say that there are not some very well-done studies available, but they are difficult to discern among the myriad of mediocre or simply flawed efforts. As in other fields, e.g. global warming and ocean acidification, as the field matures, the best works will distinguish themselves, but this will take time. In the interim, researchers need to step back, take a breath, design and carry out experiments using proper and accepted methodologies, read past literature, and not rush to publish prematurely, either in scientific journals, the popular press or on the internet. Sloppy efforts will inevitably cause more harm than good and overcoming bad publicity and stigma is never an easy or even possible task. The plastic will still be there! Notes Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, CT 06340 This article originally appeared in the August 2018 issue of the East Coast Shellfish Growers Newsletter. U.S. AQUACULTURE SOCIETY Sponsored Publ icat ions Reques t for Proposal s The USAS is seeking proposals for publications, including books, conference proceedings, fact sheets, pictorials, hatchery or production manuals, data compilations, and other materials that are important to U.S. aquaculture development and that will be of benefit to USAS members. Individuals wishing to have a project considered for funding by the USAS should prepare a proposal — guidelines are available on the website www.was.org . • CONDITIONS FOR PUBLICATION: The USAS Board of Directors will rate proposals and select projects for publication. The successful applicant will serve as co-author; however, depending on contribution to the publication, the applicant may not necessarily serve as chief or sole author. The USAS will cover general publication and distribution costs for one or more projects up to $5,000 each year. However, special consider- ation will be given to worthwhile projects that exceed this limit. No compensation will be provided to the authors for their time spent in writing the publication. The publication will be property of the USAS and will be sold through the WAS bookstore. • CONTACT: Dr. Eric Peatman • PHONE: 334-844-9319 • EMAIL: peatmer@auburn.edu