The abundance of microplastics in the world's oceans is making its way up the food chain and into our fisheries.
An Otago University study has found microplastics in 75 percent of commercially caught wild fish in the South Pacific.
The study found 75 percent of 155 commercially caught fish in the South Pacific, which were destined for human consumption, had ingested microplastics.
"New Zealand is quite an isolated, relatively low-populated country so these findings are pretty significant," lead author Isabella Clere said.
The study's findings are particularly shocking because they're up there with plastic pollution found in more densely populated countries.
"Your clothing can release fibres every time they're washed so those things go straight from the wastewater into the ocean," Clere said.
Study co-author Dr Bridie Allan said the fish were caught over one year which shows it's an ongoing issue.
"Plastic pollution is a persistent feature in the marine environment, it's not just a snapshot in time," Allan said.
An average of two and a half individual particles per fish were found, nearly all of them smaller than 5 mm.
The prevalence of microplastics in water isn't new but research into its impact on the food chain shows it's not only in fish but also humans.
"There have been recent studies that have found microplastics in human blood and placenta so we know they are there," Clere said.
Allan said despite this it's still safe to buy and eat fish.
"Most of the fish that we consume or buy from supermarkets is filleted so we're not consuming the guts where the plastics were found."
But Clere warned that doesn't mean New Zealanders are off the hook altogether.
"There may be a transfer of chemicals and nonplastic into the muscle of the fish which you will be eating."
A sobering reminder that plastics in our oceans may end up on our plates.
