Sharks and seahorses found thriving in the Thames
The river is slowly coming back to life six decades after parts of it were declared "biologically dead"
Sharks, seahorses, eels and seals have been found living in the Thames six decades after parts of it were declared "biologically dead".
The State of the Thames Report, led by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), highlights that the river has become a "rich and varied" home for wildlife.
There's also been an increase in the river's range of birds, marine mammals and natural habitats since the 1990s.
Though a number of fish species showed "a slight decline" in the upper tidal areas of the Thames with more research needed to determine the cause, the report said.
Climate change and pollution still impact the Thames
Experts also warn of the threats from climate change and pollution, with an average rise of water temperature by almost 0.2C per year.
"The influences of climate change are clearly impacting the tidal Thames, as both water temperature and sea levels continue to rise above historic baselines," the report added.
Between 2016 and 2020, almost 18 thousand single-use plastic bottles were counted and removed at sites along the tidal Thames - almost half of which were water bottles.
Some plastics found in the Thames, including cotton buds and wet wipes, come from sewage overflowing into the estuary.
The overflowing sewage not only threatens the ecosystem but "also has a detrimental impact on the perception of the Thames as being 'dirty'".
The Thames' water quality shows 'promising' improvements
Scientists also highlight the importance of the river "as a breeding ground and nursery habitat for fish", including smelt, European seabass, and a type of shark known as a smoothhound.
The water quality has "exhibited some promising improvements", with reduced phosphorus concentrations.
The positive change was attributed to the effectiveness of improved sewage treatment works to reduce harmful levels of nutrients entering the water.
Alison Debney, ZSL conservation programme lead for wetland ecosystem recovery, said: "The Thames estuary and its associated 'blue carbon' habitats are critically important in our fight to mitigate climate change and build a strong and resilient future for nature and people.
"This report has enabled us to really look at how far the Thames has come on its journey to recovery since it was declared biologically dead, and in some cases set baselines to build from in the future."
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