New study finds coastal waters caffeinated

If the fish are jumping a little higher off the Oregon
Coast, it could be caffeine. A new study finds
elevated levels of the stimulant at a number of sites, but
not where researchers would expect it.

The study by Portland State University master’s student
Zoe Rodriguez del Rey examined 14 coastal locations and
seven adjacent bodies of water between Astoria south to
Brookings. It’s the first time researchers have studied
caffeine levels off the Oregon Coast.

The researchers expected to find the greatest
concentration near wastewater treatment plants, large
population centers or rivers and streams emptying into the
ocean. Instead, the highest levels were reported near
the remote Carl Washburne State Park (Florence, Ore.) and
Cape Lookout, nowhere near pollution sources.

It’s not clear where the caffeine is coming from, but
suffice it to say, it’s not the neighborhood Starbucks.

The researchers say more study is needed to determine both
the source and impact on fish and the environment. The
preliminary findings indicate storm water runoff is a
likely source.

“We humans drink caffeinated beverages because caffeine
has a biological effect on us — so it isn’t too
surprising that caffeine affects other animals, too,” says
faculty adviser Elise Granek, assistant professor of
Environmental Science and Management.

Previous studies have found caffeine in other bodies of
water around the world, including the North Sea, the
Mediterranean, Puget Sound, Boston Harbor, and Sarasota
Bay, Fla.