The Hindu : International : Shark attacks linked to sea pollution

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Monday, Aug 09, 2004

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International

Shark attacks linked to sea pollution

London: Increasing numbers of unprovoked shark attacks on swimmers could be linked to the formation of immense oxygen-starved dead zones in the world's oceans, according to American scientists. Three people have been bitten by sharks off the Texas coast this year, compared to only 18 attacks in the past 24 years, leading researchers to believe they may be linked to a dead zone which this year has spread across 15,020 sq km of the Gulf of Mexico. The zone, caused by the runoff of sewage and nitrate-based fertilisers from intensive farming, is deprived of oxygen and kills all fish within it. It also forces marine life near it to seek better water and come closer inshore. The one in the Gulf of Mexico this year is much closer to shore this year. Terry Stelly, an ecosystem biologist with the Texas parks and wildlife department, said increasing numbers of sharks had been recorded in recent years in the waters along the Texas-Louisiana border, near the edge of the dead zone. ``The chances are good they [sharks] are looking for higher dissolved oxygen in the water'', he said. Nancy Rabalais, of Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium said: ``The higher number of sharks in shallow waters may very likely be due to the low oxygen being close to the shore at the time of the attacks. The available habitat for the sharks is less when the low oxygen is so widespread.'' — © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2004

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