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(NewsNation) — Traces of fentanyl were found inside bottlenose dolphins found dead in the Gulf of Mexico, raising concerns that the deadly substance could affect other marine life.
Researchers from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi found traces of fentanyl and other illegal drugs were found in the six dolphins that were found dead.
Fentanyl found in dead dolphins
The research team examined 89 dolphins from three areas in the Gulf of Mexico. Of the 89 dolphins examined, 30 contained traces of having drugs in their system, including 24 that had traces of fentanyl. The research found that the trace amount of fentanyl found in the mammals was not necessarily the cause of death.
Scientists say they don’t know where the fentanyl came from, but given the proximity of the Mexican border to where the dolphins were found, drug trafficking via waterways could be a possible source. That’s what the authorities say drug traffickers have used the open water in the Gulf of Mexico for years.
This summer, the Mexican navy pulled 1.6 tons of suspected cocaine out of the water.
Scientists believe that other animals may have drugs in their systems
The university said the findings indicate pharmaceuticals have become emerging micropollutants and are a growing global concern. Dara Orbach, the study’s lead author said that blubber of dolphins is a good indicator of levels of marine pollutants because it can store pollutants and is sampled relatively minimally invasively in living animals.
Researchers at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi said they don’t think the dolphins with drugs found inside them are alone. A previous study discovered that sharks were also found to have cocaine in their system.
“What I call it is basically raising the red flag,” Hussain Abdulla, a chemistry professor at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, told NewsNation. “There is a concern here and we need to look into it. We need to look into it and (see) how big that problem is. Is it just local to the Gulf of Mexico or is it actually worldwide?”
