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River Thames is full of marine life

The River Thames is a river that flows through southern England, including straight through the heart of London. It is the second longest river in the U.K. — 346 kilometers (215 miles) in length.

One of the reasons for the recent increase in sightings is due to the Thames no longer being overly “dirty”; pollution control measures have succeeded in making the water clearer in places. This has led to a rise in fish stocks, which has led to an influx of marine animals.

Between 2005 and 2015, The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) has received reports of 2,732 marine animals being spotted within the waters. The most commonly spotted animal are seals, and the most common location is close to London’s Canary Wharf, which is the city’s finance hub. The area contains many high rise offices and apartments which overlook the muddy-colored waters.

Following seals, there have been sightings of porpoises and dolphins throughout the stretch of water. Third on the list, albeit with only 49 recorded instances, are whales.

Commenting on the growing pattern of marine animal appearances, Joanna Barker, ZSL’s European conservation projects manager, told BBC News: “Many people looking into the Thames see a murky, dirty environment. But, actually, beneath the waves, it is full of life. We have a huge range of fish and invertebrates, and also top predators.”

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Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news. Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.

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