MALE swordfish in the Mediterranean are producing eggs as well as sperm in their testes. It鈥檚 the first direct evidence that pollution may be 鈥済ender-bending鈥� fish in the sea.
The eggs were found in 40 of 162 dead males examined by a pan-European research programme led by Gregorio De Metrio of the University of Bari in Italy. Reporting their findings in the Marine Pollution Bulletin (vol 46, p 358), the researchers suggest that chemicals such as heavy metals and pesticides are to blame, and say they might prevent the fish reproducing.
In moderation, swordfish from the area are safe to eat, but fishers who regularly eat their catch could be at risk, the researchers say.
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