NoteFirst evidence of presence of plastic debris in stomach of large pelagic fish in the Mediterranean Sea

•Data on plastic debris on stomach contents of top fish predators are reported.•32.4 % of bluefin tuna content micro-, meso- and macro-plastic.•Plastics in bluefin tuna represents a concern for this “endangered” species (IUCN Red List).•Results may represent a warning signal for the potential effects on human health.

This study focuses, for the first time, on the presence of plastic debris in the stomach contents of large pelagic fish (Xiphias gladius, Thunnus thynnus and Thunnus alalunga) caught in the Mediterranean Sea between 2012 and 2013. Results highlighted the ingestion of plastics in the 18.2% of samples. The plastics ingested were microplastics (<5 mm), mesoplastics (5-25 mm) and macroplastics (>25 mm).These preliminary results represent an important initial phase in exploring two main ecotoxicological aspects: (a) the assessment of the presence and impact of plastic debris on these large pelagic fish, and (b) the potential effects related to the transfer of contaminants on human health.