According to a new study published by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in Brazil, scientists have found evidence that the Brazilian sharpnose shark (Carcharhinus isodon) is being affected by cocaine.
This shark species spends its entire life in coastal waters, where large amounts of drugs are discarded into the sea, making them susceptible to exposure to this narcotic.
Scientists found traces of cocaine in the Brazilian sharpnose shark. (Source: Ifl Science)
The study involved dissecting 13 wild Brazilian sharpnose sharks and collecting muscle and liver tissue samples for analysis.
The results indicated that all the sharks tested positive for cocaine, with concentrations up to 100 times higher than those found in other marine organisms previously recorded.
This is the first time cocaine has been detected in wild sharks, and notably, the highest concentrations were found in muscle tissue, rather than the liver.
Exposure to cocaine could lead to unpredictable consequences for the sharks. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that can affect the sharks’ nervous systems, making them more aggressive, causing erratic swimming behavior, and increasing their vulnerability to environmental stressors.
Furthermore, the presence of cocaine in the marine food chain could have negative impacts on other species, including humans.
In June 2023, the U.S. Coast Guard seized over 14,100 pounds (6,400 kg) of cocaine in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, with an estimated value of up to $186 million (£142 million).
This study is just the first step in exploring the effects of cocaine on sharks and marine ecosystems. Scientists need to continue research to better understand the long-term impacts of cocaine on sharks, as well as to find solutions to mitigate drug pollution in the oceans.
