An international team of researchers from India, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and Norway carried out an in-depth study on marine debris that hosts invasive species. The findings appeared in a respected scientific journal focused on marine pollution issues.
The team examined debris made from plastic, glass, rubber, foam, fabric, metal and wood to understand how these objects enable non native plants and animals to establish themselves in new environments and push aside local communities.
They identified over 3,100 specimens representing 17 different species, including several colonies of invasive organisms. Among the most common were bryozoans, various shell types and oysters.
The lead author explained that highly buoyant litter items such as bottles, buoys and plastic bags carried sizable communities of macroinvertebrates, signaling their capacity to travel long distances across oceans.
Researchers report for the first time that marine debris facilitates the spread of invasive species in Indian coastal areas. The study underscores the urgent need to address plastic waste and its broader ecological consequences.
Earlier observations indicated that floating debris can enable coastal species to colonize offshore zones, highlighting a broader pattern of coastal and island ecosystems being shaped by human-related waste.