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Sharks test positive for anti-depressants says study
Besides anti-depressants, researchers are also studying to see if Bull sharks have Viagra in their systems.
SARASOTA (Bay News 9) -- A new study by researchers at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota found that sharks are testing positive for many anti-depressants like Prozac and Zoloft.
The reason can be traced back to humans and follow this order. Humans- toilet- local waste water treatment facility and eventually into nearby rivers.
Researchers said Bull sharks in the Caloosahatchee River are testing positive for anti-depressants.
"I'm shocked, I would never have even thought that," said Mote visitor Eileen Hampton.
Hampton was even more surprised to learn the numbers. Nine out of ten sharks tested were highly medicated.
"In their blood, they do have the presence of about six different human anti-depressants," said Mote Staff Scientist Jim Gelsleichter.
Six waste-water treatment facilities empty into the Caloosahatchee River. Sharks in the Myakka River, a wildlife preserve, are also being tested to use as a comparison. So far, those sharks are clean.
Last summer, Mote officials tagged Bull sharks with devices that actually absorb drugs in the water. The information gathered through the tags will help researchers better understand exactly what sharks are exposed to.
Local anglers can help too. If they happen to catch a shark with one of the tags on it, they're are asked to remove the tag and return it to Mote Marine.
Researchers are now working to figure out how medications effect the shark. They say the drugs can have a serious effect on the species.
"It regulates digestion as well as the development of embryos," Gelsleichter said.
And since this study is so specific there's no telling what other types of medications are getting into the waterways and sea life.
"So they're probably getting a lot more than just anti-depressant, they're probably getting everything that people are taking and drinking," Hampton said.
As for the next round of tests on the Bull shark, the study's looking to see whether they have Viagra in their systems.
If you catch a tagged Bull shark near the Myakka or Caloosahatchee rivers call (941) 388-4441, extension 576.
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