Microplastic ingestion by Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) in the North and central Moroccan Atlantic coast between Larache (35°30′N) and Boujdour (26°30′N)

Horse mackerel is a semi-pelagic species found in abundance in the Moroccan coasts and occupies the first ranks in the catches landed by the coastal fleet. In this study, we investigated the ingestion of Polyamide, Acrylic and Polystyrene by Atlantic horse mackerel, in the Moroccan Atlantic coastal area located between Larache (35°30′N) and Boujdour (26°30′N). The objective is to map the spatial distribution of horse Mackerel containing microplastics (MPs) in their stomachs and identify hot spot areas. We also aim to verify the most ingested polymer by this fish characterized by significant daily vertical migrations. The results show that the three studied polymers were detected in the stomach contents of more than 73% of studied fishes. The hot spot areas are located more in the northern part where urbanization and fishing activity are important. Polyamide, the densest polymer, is the most abundant (86% of cases), followed by acrylic. These two polymers were found in association in 47% of cases. No correlation between the presence of MPs in the stomach contents and the size of the individual fishes was noted. Interestingly, the group of mature specimens ingested more MPs than the immature group. [Display omitted] •Spatial distribution of horse mackerel ingesting MPs in the Moroccan Atlantic area.•The hot spot areas are observed in the northern part of studied zone.•73% of the fish had MPs in their stomachs.•Polyamide had the highest percentage of presence in the stomach contents.•The group of mature specimens ingested more MPs than the immature group.