Assessing the Educational Significance of Microplastic Impact on Sardinella gibbosa: Implications for Marine Sustainability and Public Health in Caraga Region, Philippines

This research study aims to provide an educational assessment of microplastic contamination by examining the presence of microplastics in the gut contents of Sardinella gibbosa collected from the coastal waters of Magallanes, Agusan del Norte. Sixty fish samples were analyzed, revealing that 75% of them had ingested microplastics, with over 90% of the particles identified as fibers. These fibers are presumed to originate from environmental pollutants such as discarded fishing nets, degraded plastic debris, and other synthetic waste. The results highlight the urgent issue of microplastic pollution in local marine ecosystems and its potential impact on food safety and sustainability. Importantly, this study serves as an educational tool to raise awareness about marine pollution and its cascading effects on public health, marine biodiversity, and community livelihoods. While the research focused primarily on detecting microplastics in fish digestive systems, it underscores the need for further educational programs and research initiatives to explore the broader implications, particularly the health risks to humans consuming contaminated seafood. Integrating these findings into marine science education can foster environmental stewardship among students, policymakers, and local communities. Continued monitoring and public education on plastic waste reduction are crucial steps toward mitigating microplastic pollution and promoting sustainable marine practices in the Caraga Region.