Bioaccumulation of organochlorine compounds in large, threatened elasmobranchs off northern New South Wales, Australia

Are concentrations of pollutants in sharks, rays and skates (Elasmobranchii) a cause for concern? A systematic review

“…One serving of shark meat (113 g for adults and 11-year-olds; 28 g for 2-year-olds) would expose adults and children to over three times the maximum recommended mercury consumption limit, and could lead to them experiencing toxic effects (table 2) (Mohammed and Mohammed, 2017;EPA, 2020). Similar findings were observed by the US EPA and in numerous other studies reporting on mercury in sharks (Gomes Ferreira et al, 2004;Burger and Gochfeld, 2011;Escobar-Sánchez et al, 2011;Lopez et al, 2013;Lyons et al, 2013;Olmedo et al, 2013;Vélez-Alavez et al, 2013;Man et al, 2014;Nalluri et al, 2014;Teffer et al, 2014;Corsolini et al, 2014;de Carvalho et al, 2014;Kiszka et al, 2015;Alves et al, 2016;Biton-Porsmoguer et al, 2018;Cagnazzi et al, 2019). Although the US EPA's recommendations of avoiding shark meat are in line with this study, our data indicates that their current limit of 980 ng g -1 may be underestimating the risk as average mercury concentrations in sharks exceed this value by 66% (1670 ng g -1 ).…”

“…trace elements) pollutants (Olin et al, 2014;Beaudry et al, 2015;Weijs et al, 2015;Cagnazzi et al, 2019). Elasmobranchs occupying high trophic positions also tend to be long-lived and large-sized, mature late, and have relatively few offspring, which allows for the bioaccumulation of pollutants (Fisk et al, 2002;Cagnazzi et al, 2019;Matulik et al, 2017;McKinney et al, 2016). As well as bioaccumulation, trophic level analysis (SI 1.10.)…”

“…Short fin mako sharks and bull sharks exceed the lowest toxicity threshold, with concentrations in their muscle and liver tissue exceeding 37 mg kg -1 lipid weight. Studies carried out on marine mammals and teleost fish have found an association between exposure to pollutants and neurological disorders, structural damage to organs and gills, reduced fertility, reproductive developmental effects, oxidative stress, and cancer (Tanabe et al, 1983;Evans, 1987;Blocksom et al, 2010;Pandey, Govind and Madhuri, 2014;Sharma et al, 2014;Jepson et al, 2016;Desforges et al, 2018;Cagnazzi et al, 2019). More research is needed to confirm if elasmobranchs exhibit the same physiological effects that have been established in marine mammals and teleost fish.…”

Assessment of the conservation status of Chondrichthyans: underestimation of the pollution threat

“…We wanted to further verify whether there were scientific papers on contaminants in these species; upon investigating the available literature, it was found that none of the species listed in Table II had any studies conducted on them concerning pollutants. Nevertheless, ecotoxicological data is available for other species, both on pollutant concentrations and biomarker responses (Bezerra et al 2019;Lyons & Wynne-Edwards 2019;Cagnazzi et al 2019aCagnazzi et al , 2019b, and their assessments should be updated. Pollution categories assigned by IUCN to assessed Batoidea and Selachimorpha are summarized in Figure 1.…”

Characterization of Halogenated Organic Compounds in Pelagic Sharks and Sea Turtles Using a Nontargeted Approach

“…Despite several persistent organic pollutant (POP) studies in various shark species worldwide, − few investigations have focused on shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) and porbeagle (Lamna nasus) sharks (both members of the family Lamnidae ). Shortfin mako and porbeagle are apex predator elasmobranchs with a high potential of bioaccumulating organic contaminants because of their long life span and high trophic position in the marine food web.…”