The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) released a s statement on the Thames River, because despite being previously declared “biologically dead,” it is now home to over 115 species of fish, including venomous sharks.
According to ZSL’s report,The Thames is home to 115 species fish and 92 bird species. The river’s length of 115 miles was determined to have been biologically dead in 1960.
“This report has enabled us to really look at how far the Thames has come on its journey to recovery since it was declared biologically dead, and in some cases, set baselines to build from in the future,” In a statement, the society stated.
The spurdog is a venomous shark that lives in Thames. Overfishing has left it vulnerable for extinction.
According to Wildlife Trusts, this shark is small and named after its venomous spines that are located in front of the dorsal fins.
The spines are used to kill predators. If the spurdog injects its venom into someone, it can cause severe swelling and pain.
Climate change and pollution have the potential to impact the Thames’ current wildlife, according to the organization’s press release. According to the society, changes in sea level could eventually shift the ecosystem and potentially damage the water quality.
“As water temperature and sea levels continue to rise above historic baselines, the estuary’s wildlife will be particularly impacted, through changes to species’ lifecycles and ranges,”The release stated.
