Georgetown: On Friday January 20, 2012, the Fisheries Department, Ministry of Agriculture received reports that numerous dead fish were being washed ashore on the beaches of the Upper Corentyne Coast. Investigations by the Fisheries Department revealed that sightings of the dead fish have been occurring since January 9, 2011 and were initially suspected to be trash fish. The situation, however, reached a peak on Friday January 20, 2012 when a significant amount of dead fish was observed on the beaches in the area. Between 90-95% of the dead fish were of the Cuirass [Aridae(G:Arius)] species.
Consultations with Surinamese Fisheries Department officials have revealed that similar occurrences of dead fish have been observed in the vicinity of Nickerie and Coronie during the same period.
This observance of dead fish is said to an annual occurrence by local fisherfolk; this was also confirmed by the Surinamese Fisheries Authorities. The occurrence was, however, noticeably worse this year and may have resulted from one of, or a combination of the following factors;
- Turbidity of the water in the area – caused by excessive rainfall in the general region resulting in excessive cloudiness of the water due to suspended particles from the rivers which flow into the ocean and reduced dissolved oxygen levels.
- High fresh water discharge – the high discharge of fresh water from the rivers may have disrupted the salinity content of the water in the area which could adversely affect fish in the area.
Samples were collected on Sunday January 22 and sent to the University of Guyana Bio Diversity Centre for testing to determine the cause of death of the fish. It is estimated that the results of these test will take several weeks.
An on the spot observation conducted by the Regional Fisheries Officer revealed that the gills were heavily coated with sling mud and slime. This condition may have resulted in oxygen deprivation to the fish resulting in death.
The Fisheries Department is conducting continuous water quality tests to determine the effects of the rainfall on the water quality in the area.
The situation has improved greatly since Sunday January 22 and today, with far less dead fish observed on beaches along the Upper Corentyne Coast. The situation is being continually monitored by staff of the Fisheries Department.
Fisheries Department
Ministry of Agriculture
Tuesday January 24, 2012
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