Streaming Media
Presentation Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the world's oceans and have negatively impacted marine biota and ecosystem health. The Salish Sea, an inland sea ranging from Vancouver to Puget Sound, is an ecologically significant ecosystem. This study determined the areas in the Northern Salish Sea (Canadian jurisdiction) in which microplastics are likely to accumulate and subsequently where they are likely to cause ecological harm. Modelling and weighted raster analysis was performed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Areas of highest risk were identified, four key ecological areas of concern in relation to the results were investigated, and the potential impacts of microplastics on two key sensitive species (southern resident killer whales and Chinook salmon) were discussed. By identifying vulnerable areas and where microplastics are likely to accumulate, the results could be helpful for conservation managers, fisheries management, and natural resource managers.
Session Title
Oil Spills and Road-based Contaminants
Conference Track
SSE10: Contaminants
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2022 : Online)
Document Type
Event
SSEC Identifier
SSE-traditionals-1
Start Date
27-4-2022 11:30 AM
End Date
27-4-2022 1:00 PM
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.
Type
Text
Language
English
Predicting the Ecotoxicological Impacts of Microplastics in the Salish Sea using GIS
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the world's oceans and have negatively impacted marine biota and ecosystem health. The Salish Sea, an inland sea ranging from Vancouver to Puget Sound, is an ecologically significant ecosystem. This study determined the areas in the Northern Salish Sea (Canadian jurisdiction) in which microplastics are likely to accumulate and subsequently where they are likely to cause ecological harm. Modelling and weighted raster analysis was performed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Areas of highest risk were identified, four key ecological areas of concern in relation to the results were investigated, and the potential impacts of microplastics on two key sensitive species (southern resident killer whales and Chinook salmon) were discussed. By identifying vulnerable areas and where microplastics are likely to accumulate, the results could be helpful for conservation managers, fisheries management, and natural resource managers.
