The Mysterious Rise in Intersex Fish

A recent study by The U.S. Geological Survey has discovered a startling increase in fish that share qualities of both male and female reproductive systems.

At some sites, more than 70% of male fish were intersex. We’ve known about male fish with female body parts in our rivers for over twenty years, but scientists are concerned about how widespread the occurrence is. What is especially troubling is that they don’t know what’s causing the problem or whether humans should be worried.

A bill introduced in Congress earlier this month seeks more research into possible links to hormone-disrupting chemicals in the environment. Joining us with more is Jo Ellen Hinck, a biologist with The U.S. Geological Survey in Columbia, Missouri.

Popular Science: Something in the Water Is Feminizing Male Fish. Are We Next?

(Photo courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey)