PFAS in Marine Ecosystems
PFAS compounds enter marine environments through river discharges, atmospheric deposition, and direct ocean dumping of PFAS-contaminated materials. Marine PFAS contamination affects fisheries, marine mammal health, and aquaculture industries with significant policy implications.
Marine Organism PFAS Bioaccumulation
PFAS bioaccumulate through marine food webs from phytoplankton through fish to marine mammals. Top predators including dolphins, orcas, and polar bears have among the highest PFAS body burdens of any species studied, reflecting biomagnification through oceanic food chains.
Commercial Fisheries and PFAS
Commercial fish and shellfish from PFAS-contaminated coastal areas exceed FDA action levels in some sampling programs. PFAS fish consumption advisories in coastal states affect commercial fisheries economic viability and fishing community livelihoods.
International Ocean Policy
PFAS ocean contamination is addressed through the London Protocol on marine pollution, MARPOL annexes, and emerging International Maritime Organization guidance. International fisheries management bodies are developing PFAS monitoring programs for high-seas commercially harvested species.