Scientists suspect sharks are feeding on dumped drugs near Florida
Cocaine, a notorious illegal drug, has been a persistent presence on Florida’s beaches and in its coastal waters for decades. Despite the relentless efforts of drug smugglers to infiltrate the United States with their illicit products, scientists are now turning their attention to investigating whether the presence of cocaine bricks has had an impact on the behavior of sharks in this region. As thousands of sharks off the coast of Florida roam the waters, there is a concern that they may be inadvertently ingesting the dumped drugs.
In a compelling documentary titled “Cocaine Shark,” part of Discovery’s Shark Week, marine biologist Tom Hird ventured to the Florida Keys to delve into the behavior of these majestic creatures. Hird expressed his deeper concern about the infiltration of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and illegal drugs into our waterways, and warned about the potential consequences for the delicate ocean ecosystems. The documentary explores an experiment where Hird and University of Florida environmental scientist Tracy Fanara use fake cocaine packaged similarly to those used by drug smugglers to observe the response of a congregation of sharks. Interestingly, the sharks exhibited intriguing behavior and seemed somewhat agitated, with one shark even making off with a bale of the fake cocaine.
Subsequently, Hird and Fanara sought to induce a dopamine response in the sharks by experimenting with highly concentrated fish powder. This reaction, akin to what cocaine might trigger in addicted individuals, resulted in hyperactive behavior among the sharks. Hird remarked, “I think we have got a potential scenario of what it may look like if you gave sharks cocaine. We gave them what I think is the next best thing. [It] set [their] brains aflame. It was crazy.” However, Hird emphasized that the experiment does not conclusively prove that sharks are actually consuming cocaine, but rather suggests the possibility that they could also be ingesting other pharmaceuticals that end up in the ocean, such as lidocaine, amphetamines, antidepressants, and even birth control.
The exposure of fish nationwide to 17a-ethinylestradiol (EE2), a key component of oral birth control pills, was revealed in a 2015 study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey. This exposure was attributed to the discharge of the chemical into waterways through human waste and the improper disposal of unused pills. Hird also cautioned that while the sharks displayed behavior similar to that of an addict, there are numerous factors that could explain their actions. Therefore, further experiments, research, and blood tests are required to definitively establish that these sharks are indeed consuming cocaine.
The possible connection between cocaine and shark behavior has sparked considerable intrigue and concern. As researchers delve deeper into this subject, it is imperative to understand the potential consequences of the presence of illicit drugs in our marine ecosystems. While the documentary provides a fascinating glimpse into the behavior of sharks in response to the simulated presence of cocaine, it serves as a reminder of the need for comprehensive studies to elucidate the true impact of drug contamination on these remarkable creatures.
