What do you do when you no longer need a prescription? If you flush your leftover pills down the toilet — stop doing that because the fish in our oceans are on drugs. Literally.
A three-year study from Florida International University found a bunch of fish living off the South Florida coast are tripping on drugs. Tissue and blood samples taken from bonefish and their prey — like crabs and smaller fish — found traces of valium, antidepressants and other pharmaceuticals.
Lead researcher Jennifer Rehage said, “These findings are truly alarming.”
Fish hopped up on drugs could exhibit different behaviors and could become emboldened to take more risks, which would lead to them being gobbled up by predators who would, in turn, ingest the prescriptions. The study also raised alarm on the potential of this having an impact on the marine animals’ ability to reproduce.
The study is urging Florida to update its wastewater treatment facilities before the damage becomes irreversible.
“These troubling findings underscore the urgent need for Florida to expand and modernize wastewater treatment facilities and sewage infrastructure statewide,” said Jim McDuffie, CEO of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. “The health of our citizens and the coastal resources that support Florida’s economy depend on it.”