It seemed like animals could barely survive in the Thames.
But far from it.
In the course of an investigation, three species of shark were also discovered in the water.
People should beware of one of these.
Munich - This discovery is surprising, gratifying, but also a little worrying.
After the Thames, which also flows through London on its way towards the North Sea, was declared biologically dead 64 years ago, life has now been discovered again in the water.
And plenty of it.
As reported by several British media, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) identified more than 115 species of fish and 92 bird species on the almost 600 hectares of salt marshes in the course of the first “health check” since then.
The animals seem to have spread unnoticed so far.
According to this, seahorses, oysters, eels and seals cavort in the second longest river in Great Britain *.
But there are also different species of shark represented.
“Greater Thames Shark Project” discovers three species of shark in the Thames
As part of the “Greater Thames Shark Project” from 2020, dog sharks, white-spotted smooth sharks and dogfish were spotted.
They apparently use the outer mouth of the Thames to have and raise their offspring.
While dog sharks and dogfish are counted among the species threatened with extinction, the white-spotted smooth sharks are now only considered to be almost threatened.
The ZSL assumes that the Thames plays a “decisive role” in the spread and long-term survival of these species.
At the same time it is warned that the dog sharks with long snouts and measuring up to 1.80 meters are considered to be aggressive.
+
Feel at home in the Thames: The researchers also found seals.
© Zoological Society of London
Dogfish can harm people with its venom
The dogfish represent a greater danger for humans. The animals that live in schools have two dorsal fins that can release poisons.
In humans, this substance can cause extreme discomfort and swelling.
So caution is advised.
The researchers have other concerns, however.
"Estuaries are one of our neglected and threatened ecosystems", Alison Debney of the ZSL is
quoted
in the
Daily Mirror
,
among others
.
The project shows, among other things, the extent to which the Thames has recovered, how it offers protection to the animals and what dangers it would be threatened by climate change.
The water temperature is rising and the number of fish species is decreasing
There were also alarm signals.
On the one hand, the number of fish species has declined since the early 1990s, for which the reason must still be sought.
In addition, the water temperature in the Thames in London has recently increased by 0.2 degrees annually.
One positive discovery was made regarding water quality.
The concentration of dissolved oxygen between 2007 and 2020 developed for the better in the long term.
While less and less phosphorus has been detected in Thames water since the 1990s, the nitrate concentration is increasing - industrial and wastewater waste is said to be the main reason for this.
Video: Animal photo bomb - whale shark surprises tourists
Tunnels under the Thames should create better living conditions for animals
The so-called Thames Tideway Tunnel, which runs under the river and is intended to collect and store a large part of the wastewater, is intended to remedy this.
Liz Wood-Griffiths, who is driving the tunnel project, sees the "urgent need" confirmed.
"The tunnel will have a significant impact on water quality and create a much healthier environment in which wild animals can survive and thrive," says the conservationist.
(mg) * merkur.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA