Marine biologists have discovered that drug-addled sharks might be preying on cocaine bales dumped by drug smugglers off the coast of Florida.
The shocking findings came to light in a new documentary for Discovery’s Shark Week, where experts explored the impact of narcotics on the behavior of sharks in the region.
The study led by marine expert Tom Hird and University of Florida’s Tracy Fanara shed light on the potential consequences of drug pollution in our oceans and its effects on marine ecosystems.
While conducting their research, Hird and his team noticed peculiar behavior and movements among the sharks in the area.
One great hammerhead, a species typically cautious around humans, approached the researchers directly, displaying unusual behavior.
Another sandbar shark exhibited fixated behavior, swimming in tight circles despite no visible objects of interest.
To ascertain the effect of drug pollution, Hird and Fanara designed packages to resemble real cocaine bales and dropped them into the water from a helicopter.
The result was astonishing – sharks immediately gravitated towards the packages, taking bites and even carrying one away.
This behavior suggests that sharks may be drawn to the scent or taste of narcotics.
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Marine Biologist Raises Concern Hidden Threat To Marine Ecosystem
The documentary raises concerns about the possible consequences of chemicals and drugs entering our oceans and affecting delicate marine ecosystems.
Hird pointed out that it is challenging to predict how marine life, including sharks, would react to ingesting cocaine.
Moreover, the steady influx of pharmaceuticals, including caffeine, lidocaine, and antidepressants, into our oceans from urban centers poses an additional threat to marine life.
Drug smugglers often resort to dumping contraband, including cocaine, into the ocean to evade law enforcement detection.
The drugs washed up on Florida’s beaches can be dangerous not only to humans but also to marine life.
In October, an 11-pound bag of cocaine was discovered on Daytona Beach, while a 72-pound package was found among the mangroves in Tavernier, Florida, last July.
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Source: Daily express, Dailymail