Sharks contaminated with cocaine, caffeine, or painkillers in the Caribbean. This is the shocking result of a scientific study carried out in the Bahamas, off the coast of Eleuthera Island, and recently published in the journal Environmental Pollution.
The most notable samples were taken from a lemon shark and two other sharks, all testing positive for cocaine. Out of 85 sharks analyzed, one third showed traces of substances linked to human activity.
This is especially concerning as the studied area is known to be preserved, but heavily frequented by divers and cruise ships. Their wastewater, discharged into the sea, carries caffeine and medications like paracetamol.
Disturbing effects on sharks
Sharks are already experiencing the effects of these products: increased stress and higher energy expenses. Researchers also fear risks for their reproduction or long-term behavior.
As for cocaine, it likely comes from sea trafficking, with packets thrown into the water that these predators bite into and become contaminated.
A very serious alert for the Caribbean, where even marine species are no longer spared from the human footprint.
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