Marine environments, particularly coastal areas, are significantly impacted by human activities that introduce pollutants. Consequently, researchers are exploring ways to link contaminant exposure to adverse ecological effects, with biomonitoring using biomarkers proving especially effective. This review examines publications from 2000 to 2023 on field passive biomonitoring of contamination in Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) coastal ecosystems, aiming to identify knowledge gaps and improve conservation strategies. Of the 277 articles analyzed, almost 60 % originated from Brazil, with Argentina contributing 15.52 %, Mexico 14.8 %, and other countries 10.10 %. Metals were the most frequently quantified contaminants (28.77 %), followed by hydrocarbons (13.4 %). However, most studies focused on a single contaminant, overlooking the fact that organisms are typically exposed to complex contaminant mixtures. The most studied species were bivalves, gastropods, and teleost fishes, representing 24.62 %, 22.73 %, and 22.73 % of the total, respectively. Few studies examined aquatic plants and macroalgae, despite their known effectiveness as bioindicators. A majority of the studies (56.21 %) concentrated on a single type of biomarker, with oxidative stress biomarkers being the most common (17.03 %). Although useful as "early warning" signals, these biomarkers lack specificity. Future research should prioritize identifying more specific biomarkers for different contaminants. Given the importance of biomonitoring in conservation management, increasing investment in marine sciences and securing stronger government commitment is crucial.
