One-third of fish living in Pacific island waters—like Fiji’s thumbprint emperor or Vanuatu’s dash-and-dot goatfish—are contaminated with microplastics, according to data published Wednesday by researchers at the University of the South Pacific. The report provides Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) crucial weight in their push for an ambitious, legally binding Global Plastics Treaty, as negotiations re-start in February. “The results were both encouraging and sobering,” said Jasha Dehm, a marine climate crisis researcher at the University of the South Pacific. Though limited research has been performed on contaminated fish consumption in Pacific island nations, many coastal communities rely heavily on seafood as a primary protein source. “This kind of data gives Pacific Island countries a stronger evidence base to argue for ambitious, upstream solutions,” said Ford.