EXETER, UNITED KINGDOM — A British toxicologist has found that chemicals seeping into the water supply is feminizing the fish population. <br /> <br />A number of male river fish in the U.K. have reportedly turned intersex or transgender, and are now displaying both male and female characteristics, according to a University of Exeter study. <br /> <br />The mutations are caused by chemicals from contraceptive pills, cleaning products, plastics, and cosmetics that make it to the water systems after being flushed down. <br /> <br />Twenty percent of male fish tested in 50 sites displayed less competitive mating behavior and reduced sperm quality, with some even producing eggs. <br /> <br />Offspring of these transgender fish may also be more sensitive to the effects of the chemicals in subsequent exposures. <br /> <br />The research by professor Charles Tyler was entitled “The Feminisation of Nature – an Unnatural History” and served as the opening lecture at the 50th Anniversary Symposium of the Fisheries Society in the British Isles. <br /> <br />Fish biologists around the world are gathering at the symposium to talk about other threats to the fish population, and how to address them.
