Scientists have found that some male fish in Spain have in fact become female due to pollution. The scientists were members of the Cell Biology in Environmental Toxicology group and the main areas where it's been proven are Gernika, Arriluze, Santurtzi, Plentzia, Ondarroa, Deba and Pasaia. The researchers have figured out that the pollutants are "acting as estrogens" and are the reason why these males have become females, as in ovocytes (immature ova) have begun appearing in them. Miren P. Cajaraville is the director of the research group and he stresses that "we have a problem with pollutants", which is clear when examining the recent study.
Looking at the effects of the pollutants from both a chemical and biological perspective, the group ultimately came to the conclusion that "it is the pollutants that are responsible for the feminization of the male fish". Pollution has become more and more serious over the years and this is just another example of the consequences.
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