Story perspectives

Study Finds Contaminants in Bahamas Sharks for First Time

4/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

A study in The Bahamas analyzed 82 sharks and found 23 carried four contaminants: acetaminophen, diclofenac, cocaine, and caffeine.
The five species studied were Lemon sharks, Atlantic Nurse sharks, Blacktip sharks, Caribbean Reef sharks, and Tiger sharks.
This marks the first global detection of caffeine and acetaminophen in any shark and the first Bahamian report of diclofenac and cocaine.
Sharks with contaminants showed altered triglycerides, urea, and lactate versus those without.

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Story summary

A study in The Bahamas analyzed 82 sharks and found 23 carried four contaminants: acetaminophen, diclofenac, cocaine, and caffeine.
The five species studied were Lemon sharks, Atlantic Nurse sharks, Blacktip sharks, Caribbean Reef sharks, and Tiger sharks.
This marks the first global detection of caffeine and acetaminophen in any shark and the first Bahamian report of diclofenac and cocaine.
Sharks with contaminants showed altered triglycerides, urea, and lactate versus those without.