A recent CNN article discussed an interesting study conducted by researchers at Florida International University and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. The latter, as suggested by their name, is a Miami-based nonprofit concerned with conservation of bonefish and tarpon. The study was intended to determine the effects of human wastewater contamination on fish in the area, and the results were surprising.
Researchers gathered blood and tissue samples from 93 bonefish from the waters around the Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay. Tests revealed that each fish had an average of seven pharmaceutical drugs present including blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, prostate treatment medications, antibiotics, and pain relievers. The findings suggest serious issues with the wastewater infrastructure that pose a threat to fisheries.
