More than 60 years after some of its sections were declared "biologically dead", the River Thames in London not only recovered life, but is inhabited by countless animals such as seals, birds, seahorses and even poisonous sharks , reported the Zoological Society of London.
In 1957, scientists at the Natural History Museum considered that certain parts of the Thames, 215 miles long, were
so polluted that very few animals could survive
after years of domestic and industrial waste dumped into its stream.
Today, the river that runs through the city of London in England
provides water for millions of people and is home to more than 100 species of fish and 92 types of birds
.
Also, according to
The State of the Thames 2021 report
, it provides "leisure opportunities, protection against coastal flooding (...) and is one of our greatest natural and public assets."
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Although its recovery began in 1960 after the expansion of wastewater treatment plants and the regulation of industrial discharges,
the climate crisis and the overwhelmed sewage system represent new threats.
“A resilient future, for both people and wildlife, will depend on protecting remaining natural habitats, reconnecting and restoring them, and innovating new ways to maximize opportunities for wildlife in the world. urban environment ”, raises the recent study.
The Washington Post reported that the river has "one of the highest concentrations of microplastics in the world."
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Those tiny fragments pose "potential physiological and toxicological threats" to the environment, warned another investigation cited by the media.
Back to life
During the industrial revolution, London's growing economic and population activity caused pollution of the Thames.
Not only did
"the abundance and diversity of species" decrease, it also harmed economic activities such
as fishing.
"Despite efforts to improve water quality over the next 100 years,
some stretches of the river remained lifeless for long periods of time,
" the recent report says.
A seal rests on the banks of the River Thames in Hammersmith on March 8, 2021 in London, England.Chris Jackson / Getty Images
Birds, fish, and mammals like seals now use it as a habitat, a food source, and a place for their young to be born.
In March 2021, photographer Chris Jackson reported that, although seals are occasionally seen in the river, they rarely returned to the same point, so that one seal in particular became a "local celebrity" after walkers and tourists will find it for a whole week and take pictures of it.
At least three whales have reached the Thames disoriented.
In 2021 a specimen of the Minkle species had to be euthanized after being trapped in the river.
In 2018 and 2006 the other two appeared.
Scientists have yet to claim victory and ask to pay attention to future changes in water temperature, for example.
They also insist on the benefits that the river brings to people.
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On the Thames people kayak, paddle and canoe, while biking and hiking are popular on its banks.
At least 39.1 million recreational visits are reported to the banks of the Thames each year.
"These areas are not only a space for physical activities, but also provide places for people to visit, relax and enjoy the aesthetic value of the Thames," the document concludes.