Antimicrobial resistance in marine environments

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the oceans is caused by human activities, such as wastewater discharge, agricultural runoff and shipping, which release antibiotics. The spread is facilitated by ocean currents​

The presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria or antibiotic resistance genes in the oceans can have several health implications, including the global spread of resistance, potential human exposure through the marine environment and effects on the marine food chain​

The widespread presence of resistant bacteria and resistance genes in the oceans underlines the urgent need to understand the factors contributing to the spread of AMR in marine environments. To fully address the complexity of this issue, more studies are needed in larger geographical regions and over longer time scales​