Cocaine in Waterways Alters Salmon Behaviour, Study Finds

53 articles · Updated · The Conversation · Apr 21

Salmon exposed to cocaine and its metabolite in Swedish lakes were found to swim nearly twice as far as unexposed fish, new research shows.
The study tracked wild Atlantic salmon implanted with slow-release drugs, revealing significant changes in movement and dispersal patterns, especially from benzoylecgonine.
Scientists warn that cocaine and pharmaceutical pollution in waterways may disrupt wildlife behaviour, posing escalating risks to biodiversity and ecosystem balance.

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