The testicle from a male trout which contains a developing egg is an example of "intersex" conditions that can result from pollution.

((Image courtesy of Oregon State University))

A scientist from Oregon State University and his English research partner have found tumors and sexual deformities in deep-ocean fish, and they believe it indicates human-caused pollution of the oceans is impacting species a mile beneath the surface.

The research in France's Bay of Biscay was done in an area with no apparent direct pollution source, meaning other saltwater fish are likely experiencing similarly polluted waters. "In areas ranging from pristine, high mountain lakes of the United States to ocean waters off the coasts of France and Spain, we've now found evidence of possible human-caused pollution that's bad enough to have pathological impacts on fish," OSU microbiology professor Michael Kent said in a statement. Follow-up chemical analysis is needed to prove pollutants are causing the fish to mutate, and identify exactly which ones.

The U.S. Drought Monitor has released new estimates of drought conditions across the U.S. A large portion of Oregon remains in drought, while new acreage have been added to other states on the map showing the nation's water-starved regions. In Oregon, 85 percent of the state is experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions. Two counties are already eligible for state aid, and another three emergency requests are awaiting Gov. Kate Brown's signature. Record low snowpack across the state could make this the worst among four straight years of drought in Oregon.

The Gifford Pinchot Task Force, which advocates for the protection of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, will host a series of hikes this spring and summer aimed at promoting conservation in the forest. The first of 14 is an April 3 hike along Curly Creek to survey timber harvests in the area. Other hikes throughout the summer will take participants out to pull invasive plants, capture images of wildlife on remote cameras, and survey roads for signs of damage. Other trips are just for fun.

--Kelly House

khouse@oregonian.com

503-221-8178

@Kelly_M_House