The strange way cocaine water pollution is changing salmon

image via New Scientist

April 20, 2026, 3:00 PM

• •Cocaine and its metabolites are prevalent in the environment due to human wastewater.
• •Salmon exposed to benzoylecgonine swam farther and dispersed more.
• •Benzoylecgonine had a stronger effect than cocaine itself.
• •Increased swimming may have negative implications for salmon survival and habitat.

A recent study revealed that exposure to cocaine and its metabolite, benzoylecgonine, causes Atlantic salmon to swim significantly farther and disperse more widely. Researchers found that salmon exposed to benzoylecgonine swam nearly 14 kilometers farther per week than unexposed fish. This increased swimming behavior could lead to salmon entering unsuitable habitats, expending energy, and altering their interactions with predators and food sources. The study highlights the potential consequences of widespread drug contamination in aquatic environments.

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