Microplastics found in many of Oregon's most popular fish

Driving the news: Researchers at Portland State University looked to quantify how many microplastic particles were making their way into the edible tissues of commonly eaten fish in Oregon.

• Specifically, they looked at black rockfish, lingcod, Chinook salmon, Pacific herring, Pacific lamprey, and pink shrimp.

By the numbers: The team found 1,806 particles in 180 of the 182 samples they examined.

• Synthetic fibers were the most abundant among the particles found, followed by fragments and films.

Yes, but: Researchers noted that microplastics are becoming ubiquitous in our food supply — present in everything from bottled water to beef and honey — so they aren't recommending people avoid eating seafood.

• "What we put out into the environment ends up back on our plates," Elise Granek, professor of environmental science and management at Portland State, said in a written statement.

What's next: Granek's team is looking at ways to curtail microplastic pollution at the source, with research into filters for washing machines, dryers and dishwashers as well as filters for stormwater drains that can catch microplastics from road runoff.