A new 'forever' marine pollutant? Fiberglass found in a major shellfish estuary
Phys.org
February 24, 2026
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Simon Fraser University researchers have discovered fiberglass contamination in a significant shellfish estuary on Vancouver Island, highlighting a previously underappreciated environmental threat. This finding raises concerns about the potential impacts of fiberglass pollution on marine life, including aquatic birds and fish, as well as on coastal communities that rely on seafood for their livelihoods. Fiberglass, commonly used in various industries, is now emerging as an unexpected contaminant with unknown long-term effects on marine ecosystems.
The study focuses on a major estuary known for its ecological importance and role in supporting diverse marine species. While fiberglass has been widely used for decades due to its durability, its persistence in the environment and potential toxicity have not been thoroughly investigated. The research highlights how small particles of fiberglass waste, often from industrial or recreational activities, can accumulate in waterways and eventually settle in estuaries, where they may interact with marine organisms.
The researchers emphasize that fiberglass particles could cause physical harm to marine life by entangling or abrading tissues, potentially disrupting ecosystems. Additionally, the long-term persistence
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/24/2026