Throughout the United States, researchers have been reporting anomalies in the reproductive organs and behaviors of male fish. In addition to the discovery of male fish with partially or fully developed female reproductive organs, many males have low sperm counts, inferior sperm quality, and are losing the behaviors essential to breeding rituals. Add to this the increasing disparity in female vs. male populations - which ratios as alarming as 5:1 in some populations - and it becomes apparent that many fish species could be in serious peril.

So what is causing this sudden shift towards feminized fish? According to researchers, it isn't all too sudden after all; the problem was first observed in the mid 1970s, leading to restrictions and bans on estrogen-mimicking chemicals such as nonylphenols throughout much of Europe. The US has been slower to jump on board, though alarming evidence that the presence of these hormones and chemicals in our waterways is affecting not only animals, but possibly even humans, is increasingly raising awareness about this issue.

So how does the estrogen wind up in the water? There are many culprits. One, surprisingly enough, is estrogens in the waste water from sewage plants. Birth control pills seem to be the primary culprit in hiking up the estrogen levels in the water, though treatment plants admit that it has always been impossible to properly remove all of the estrogen from the water. However, it isn't just America's shift towards safer sex practices causing male fish to get in touch with their feminine side; chemicals that stimulate estrogen production are found in everything from make-ups and plastics to detergents and pesticides.

Equally troubling is recent news that native fresh water mollusks are being brought to the brink by the presence of antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) in our water ways. The presence of these chemicals seems to upset the reproductive cycle of mussels, causing them to release their larvae prematurely - a death sentence. This is particularly troubling news since over 70% of America's 300+ freshwater mussels are already endangered and declining. With invasive species, habitat destruction, and pollutants already working against them, the quest for so many Americans to stay "happy as a clam" could have dire consequences for our native wildlife.

Until industry-wide changes are made to address the leakage of harmful chemicals into our water ways through restrictions and bans, there is little to be done for our imperiled fish and mollusks. However, you can help to some degree by properly disposing of all medications to ensure no additional leakage into the environment. All antibiotics, birth control pills, and psychiatric medications should be double-bagged before disposal to decrease the chance that they'll reach our waterways before expiring. In the mean time, stay on top of legislation in your state regarding the use of estrogen-mimicking chemicals, and let your voice be heard when such issues arise.

Image and Text (c) Lauren Weeks