Scientists believe amoeba is culprit of thousands of shark deaths in Bay Area
Since July of this year, scientists estimate 2,000 leopard sharks have died as the result of a parasite eating away at their brain. While leopard sharks seem to be the marine species most affected by the parasite, large numbers of dead bat rays, striped bass, smooth hound sharks, and halibut have been recorded. The parasite is similar to the common amoeba and enters through the shark’s nose to enter the brain where it slowly eats away at it until the shark succumbs to it. The parasite is known by its scientific name as Miamiensis avidus.