Baby fish found consuming plastic in larval fish nurseries

The NOAA's Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center discovered prey-sized plastics in larval fish habitats off Hawaii's coast. Surface slicks, formed by converging waves, contain high plankton levels but also concentrated plastics. The study found plastics were 126 times more concentrated in slicks than in surrounding waters. Dissected larval fish, including swordfish and mahi mahi, showed plastic ingestion, marking the first recorded instance of such consumption shortly after spawning.

What natural phenomenon creates surface slicks that are rich in plankton?

• Converging waves

• Tidal waves

• Underwater currents

• Volcanic eruptions

According to the study, how much more plastic is found in surface slicks compared to larval fish?

• Three times more

• Five times more

• Seven times more

• Ten times more

How much more concentrated are plastics in surface slicks compared to the surrounding water?

• 126 times

• 150 times

• 50 times

• 100 times

Which of the following fish species was found to have ingested plastic?

• Tuna

• Shark

• Swordfish

• Salmon

What is significant about the discovery of plastics in the stomachs of certain fish species?

• It is the first time these species have been found in Hawaii.

• It is the first time these species have been found in nurseries.

• It is the first time these species have been found consuming plastic.

• It is the first time these species have been found in surface slicks.