Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are excited to share with you the publication of our research article “First report from North America of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract of stranded bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*)” in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin. Link to full article: https://authors.elsevier.com/c/1bn~w,ashxmtp DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111677 Abstract: Microplastics' (MPs) abundance, small size, and global distribution render them bioavailable to a variety of organisms directly or by trophic transfer, yet examinations in marine apex predators are currently limited. The present study investigated the occurrence of MPs sized 125 μm–5 mm in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) stranded in South Carolina, USA from 2017 to 2018. MPs, mostly fibers, were detected in all GITs (*n* = 7) of stranded bottlenose dolphins. Total suspected MPs ranged between 123 and 422 particles/individual, a high range among international studies. Comparison to other studies likely reflects differences in both methods and location. This is the first study from North America to quantify MPs in a small coastal cetacean outside Arctic waters and the first specifically in bottlenose dolphins (southeastern United States). Findings and methodology from this investigation can aid future studies examining MP in marine apex predators. Kind regards, Francesca -- Francesca Battaglia M.S. Marine Biology Marine Mammal Stranding Technician Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research 219 Fort Johnson Road Charleston, SC 29412 o: 843-460-9683 (currently not in use) c: 732-236-7384