Microplastics Found in Half of Quintana Roo Fish

Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo — More than half of the fish consumed by coastal communities in Quintana Roo are contaminated with microplastics, according to a study conducted by a researcher from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). The research analyzed marine fauna caught by fishermen in Puerto Morelos, located in the northern part of the Mexican Caribbean.

Widespread Contamination in Local Fish Species

Scientists examined 424 fish specimens belonging to 29 species and 9 families, finding that 57% contained microplastics in their digestive tracts. Notably, the most affected fish were species of low commercial value—those most likely to be consumed by local communities.

The study, led by Omar Oslet, a researcher at UNAM’s Institute of Marine Sciences and Limnology and featured in the journal Wired, revealed that microplastics were more frequently found in small, low-cost fish, which are typically caught for personal consumption or sold in local markets. This suggests that coastal communities face higher exposure to ingesting these contaminants.

“Fish caught by handline in shallow waters near the coast had significantly more microplastics in their intestines than those caught in deeper waters farther offshore,” the study noted.

Affected species included those commonly caught in artisanal fishing, such as:

• Snappers (huachinangos)
• Triggerfish (peces chancos, calafates, gatillos, pejepuercos)
• Groupers (bacalaos, meros, garropas)
• Jacks and mojarras (jureles, mojarras)

These fish form a staple part of the diet for local families along the Quintana Roo coast. In contrast, species with lower microplastic contamination tended to be higher-value fish, often destined for the tourism sector or export.

“Our findings suggest that the risk is not equal for everyone—those who depend on the sea for their livelihood are more exposed,” the researcher concluded.

Public Health and Food Security Concerns

While the study did not assess direct clinical impacts on humans, it warned that consuming contaminated fish “poses a potential risk to public health and food security.”

A separate 2020 UNAM study, conducted in collaboration with Greenpeace, found that one in five fish consumed in Mexico contained microplastics in their viscera. That research identified 815 plastic pieces across 21 reef sites, with 59% of the waste consisting of plastic fragments, followed by polystyrene foam, bags, caps, fishing gear, bottles, labels, and disposable items.

Among the most polluted areas were Puerto Morelos and Veracruz, which recorded the highest density of plastic waste on the seafloor.