| Ozone danger to fish |
Sunburnt fish could be a thing of the future if the predictions of British researchers are right. Scientists believe some types of fish could suffer over-exposure if the Earth's protective ozone layer continues to thin. The work is being carried out at Plymouth's Marine Laboratory, and although it is in its early stages the results indicate fish could suffer sunburn. The researchers have simulated the extra levels of UVB radiation they expect to reach Earth from the Sun over the next 50 years. Harmful radiation The findings seem to show more UVB could cause lighter coloured and flat fish to have flaky skin and be at a higher risk of disease. David Robins, head of external affairs at the lab, said: "We have tried to anticipate what conditions are likely to be like in relation to UVB, which is a particular kind of radiation. "It also causes sunburn in humans. "Plants and animals have natural pigments which protect them from ultra violet radiation but these results show some fish are more susceptible to it than others." |
Original source: BBC (3/12/99) Submit by Liz Song on 8/18/1999 |