Reef sharks in French Polynesia Suffer Health Consequences from feeding by tourists

Blacktip reef sharks in French Polynesia Are Experience Adverse Effects on their health due to frequent expenses to low-Quality Form Scrap from Tourists. Reports indicate that these sharks, commonly found in the watters Around Mo'orea, are being fed everything from Fero Frozen Squid to Human Leftovers. This feeding practice has been to significant changes in their metabolism, movement, and reproductive patterns. Concerns have been raised recording the long-term consequences on the specials, classified as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Shark feeding practices impact metabolism

According to a study Published in Animal Conservation, Research Conducted by Marine Behavior Ecologist Johann Mourier at the University of Montpelier and his team examined the metabolic and reproductive changes in the way. Over a three-yar period, blood samples from 117 blacktip reef sharks Across 17 Sites-Five of which was known for frequent tourist-driven feeding –ware analysed. The results indicated that sharks at feeding sites displayed lower red blood cell levels, a marker of overall health. Blood Glucose Levels in Females We also found to be lower, suggesting that scraps provided lacked lacked adequate nutritional value compared to their natural diet.

Reproductive changes observed in feeding site sharks

Data from the study also highlighted notable shifts in reproductive hormone levels. Males at feeding sites exhibited Increased Testosterone Levels, potentially due to heightened competition over food. Female sharks at non-feeding sites were consistent pregnant and exhibited triple the Estrogen Levels Compared to those at feeding locations, where not all fels carried pups. Scientists sugges that an unpredent and nutritionally insufficient diet may be impacting reproductive success, Ultimately affected population sustainability.

Calls for better regulation of shark feeding

In an an interview With Science News, Natascha Wosnick, A Biologist at the Cape Elegera Institute, Stated that Unregulated shark feeding can alter natural behavior and compromise wafare. Concerns Extended Beyond Mo'orea, as Other Species, Such as Nurse Shars in the Bahamas, May Face Similar Risks Due to Increased Energy Expenditure LINKED to Human-PROVUDEDDED FOD. Experts sugges implementing regulations on the types of food offered to sharks, particularly during breaking seasons, to mitigate the negative impact on their health and reproduction.