Sharks revived in Thames after 64 years the river was considered 'biologically dead'

Although many sections of the river have been declared 'biologically dead' since 1957, the Thames is now revived and is home to three species of sharks.

This is the information mentioned in the latest report on the state of the Thames conducted by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), referring to the changes and conservation work for this river since the last years. 1950 to present.

Sharks are believed to have used the estuaries to breed and raise baby sharks.

In addition to sharks, a number of other species such as seahorses, eels and seals are also proliferating in the Thames thanks to campaigns to protect and improve water quality after the river was once declared 'dead'. biology' in 1957.

According to ZSL expert Alison Debney, the Thames is currently home to more than 115 species of fish and 92 species of birds. Along the 345 km length of the river, there are about 600 hectares of swamps - important wildlife habitats for many animal species.

Sharks are thought to have used the estuaries to breed and raise baby sharks, thanks to improved water quality, guaranteed oxygen levels. 'Estuaries provide us with clean water, protection from floods and are an important nursery for wildlife. This report has allowed us to really see how far Thames has come in his recovery journey , " Ms Debney said.

However, rising temperatures and water levels are posing an ever greater threat to river ecosystems. Water levels in Silvertown, in east London, have risen 4.26mm a year since 1990. Meanwhile the Thames' water temperature has increased by an average of 0.2% a year.

Sources of nitrate emissions are also creating new risks. Industrial waste and wastewater are the cause of this situation. Pollution could be reduced by the £4 billion Thames Tideway tunnel - known as London's new super sewer - due to be completed by 2025. The tunnel will collect more than 95 percent of the wastewater that flows into the river. from a sewer system built in the Victorian era.