Environmental changes are threatening to harm or even wipe out cod, Dover sole and shellfish. The ozone layer, which is a protective shield guarding us from harmful rays that can cause cancer and cataracts, is thinning and not effectively filtering out the ultraviolet rays from the upper atmosphere.
The problem affects young fish and spawn, say scientists, which have not yet fully developed scales to protect them. Also at risk are newts and frogs.
Increased use of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) caused the thinning of the ozone layer above Britain by 10% in Spring when the fish are spawning and most vulnerable.
Researchers at the Plymouth Marine Laboratory discovered the effects. “They are suffering what we would call classic sunburn,” said Iain McFadzen, research eco-toxicologist at the laboratory. “Their skin thickens and peels, as it would do in humans. These fish have no protection against the rays because they have never needed to evolve one until man began to influence the atmosphere.
“The fish grow extra layers of cells as a defence mechanism, but this means the oxygen they need takes longer to get into the system. They don’t mature and they have to remain in areas of plankton for their food. That means they are likely to be eaten by larger predators. It will be another nail in the coffin for fish stocks.
“I think we’re stuck with it,” said Mr McFadzen. “We can hardly offer them sunscreen and we can only hope the environmental commitments are going to be fulfilled by the major powers and developing nations.”
Independent
