Positive tests for cocaine in sharks off Brazil’s coastline imply that the drug may be influencing their manners. For instance, marine biologists examined thirteen Brazilian sharpnose sharks near Rio de Janeiro and discovered elevated levels of cocaine in their muscles and livers.
While the exact origin of the cocaine still remains unknown, theories have been advanced suggesting it could be from illegal drug labs runoffs or untreated sewage of addicts according to officials.The other probability is that the sharks swallowed bundles of cocaine that were lost or thrown away by traffickers but scientists think this is not possible in such areas as Mexico or Florida.
The Sharks have been exposed to cocaine chronically because they had up-to 100 times higher concentrations than those found in other marine animals. The research showed that all shark samples tested positive for cocaine, while 92% muscle samples and 23% liver samples contained benzoylecgonine, a major metabolite of this drug.
Dr Enrico Mendes Saggioro, an ecotoxicologist also commented on this issue saying that even though cocaine might probably harm these creatures; its impact on their behavior has never been known. “This could be true since Cocaine affects the brain and other animals display hyperactive and erratic habits. It is probable; more study is needed,” he added.
The drugs came from fishing trips around Rio de Janeiro whereas some researchers are concerned about how visual acuity and hunting prowess could be compromised by coke to reduce life expectancy among such species. Nevertheless, even though there are further investigations being conducted into the overall effect of this drug on these oceanic predators, findings indicate that this was actually the first record of free-ranging sharks having cocain.
