Mountain Biking: Rubber side down- Time for a TurnaroundWell, my friends, things are finally looking up, and good timing, too, since I’m sure you’re all sick of me bitching. Recent bike build, including wheels… fun! In what feels like a fairly short time, I’ve come from sitting around … Continue reading → […]
- This Raised My PulseHey, baby… wanna ride? I may be injured, but I’m not dead yet. I can still have racy thoughts. Here’s more info. In other news, UBI was an awesome success! I had a blast. I highly recommend it. Overhaul day…. … Continue reading → […]
- Time for a Turnaround
- Edgy Veggie
Gender-bending bass plentiful in Colorado’s Yampa River
Yampa River State Park | www.discoveringcolorado.com
In Colorado’s Yamp River, 70 percent of all male bass now have female characteristics — a phenomenon called “intersex” — according to a new study released Monday by the U.S. Geologic Survey.
Intersex fish have been found in watershed across the country, including Boulder Creek.
The causes aren’t clear, scientists said in the report in Aquatic Toxicology. Nor could they say whether “intersex” fish could reproduce.
But the extent of the intersex fish was startling, said Jo Ellen Hinck, the USGS biologist who led the project.
“When we see 70 percent, we don’t think that’s normal,” Hinck said, referring to a sampling along the Yampa about 18 miles west of Craig.
Many scientists suspect that estrogen compounds — such as birth control and other pharmaceuticals — are to blame.
Read the full story at denverpost.com or learn more about intersex fish in Boulder Creek after the jump.
Several years ago, researchers at the University of Colorado found intersex fish in Boulder Creek below the wastewater treatment plant at 75th Street.
From the Daily Camera in April 2005:
There are equal numbers of male and female upstream of the wastewater runoff. Downstream, researchers found an inordinate number of females and intersex fish – which have both male and female parts – leading them to believe something in the water was forcing piscine sex changes.
CU professor David Norris suspects the culprits are endocrine disrupters from birth control pills, plastics or detergents. Endocrine disrupters settle into cell receptors intended for hormones and garble the body’s chemical communications.
Trace compounds found in the water also have been linked to other ecological changes.
In an effort to keep drugs out of local streams and rivers, the city of Boulder is offering a free pharmaceutical drop-off service from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Boulder Community Foothills Hospital.
Read more posts about forest health on BigGreenBoulder:
 Rocky Mountain aspens could disappear by 2090 |
 Battle over toxic beetle killer is on in Estes Park |
