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Stingray Loses Sensory Capacity With Crude Oil Exposure

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Stingray Loses Sensory Capacity With Crude Oil Exposure

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Featured Image Credit:montereybayaquarium.org

Almost every marine fish relies heavily on their senses to survive. In fact, every animal on the planet (including humans) rely on their sensory systems in some way. Imagine going through life without senses. It would be a difficult existence.

Unfortunately, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has caused some creatures to lose their sensory abilities. The Atlantic stingray has been significantly affected by the oil spill.

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University were able to understand the effects of crude oil on marine vertebrates. The experiment was done through recreating the amount of exposure to crude oil in the water. They found that after just 48 hours, significant damage was done to the stingray’s sensory systems.

Stephen Kajiura, an author on the study, had this to say, “Elasmobranchs are renowned for their well-developed sensory systems, which are critical to alert them of the presence of predators, prey, mates, and unfavorable environmental conditions. Any impairment of these sensory systems could have a damaging effect on their survival and fitness.”

Although this study was done on just one species, it is probable that the negative effects of crude oil could be seen on other elasmobranch species.

Read more from the source.

SarahSharkey

About the author:
I am a field biologist in Florida, currently working with invertebrates. I have always loved the ocean because I love learning about all of the animals that call it home. I think the endangered small tooth sawfish is the coolest creature in the sea. When I am not on the water I enjoy hiking, exploring and blogging at An Adventurer's Journey to Adulthood.

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