Study finds high microplastic levels in protected Mediterranean coral habitats

The bay of Illa Grossa, located on a remote island in the Columbretes Islands marine reserve off the coast of Spain, is home to the only reef-forming stony coral species in the Mediterranean: Cladocora caespitosa. Despite its isolated location, approximately 55 kilometers from the mainland and being free from local sources of pollution, a new international study led by Kiel University reveals that this strictly protected habitat is heavily polluted with microplastics and micro-rubber.