Maputo, 10 Feb (AIM) – Since last weekend, fish of various species have appeared floating lifeless in the Bay of Maputo.
The oceanographic authorities suspect that the fish died through suffocation, due to a low level of the dissolved oxygen in the water on which so much marine life depends. This may be associated with larger than normal levels of suspended sediments in the bay.
The dredging of the Maputo port access channel and excavation for placing fibre-optic cables could be causes of the increased sedimentation.
The Ministry of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries also suspects that changes in the salinity of the Bay may be related to the fish die-off. More fresh water than usual has poured into the bay from the local rivers, because of the past week’s torrential rains in Maputo province, and in the neighbouring countries, and this has lowered the level of salinity.
“Phenomena of this kind have happened in the Bay of Maputo before, but on a smaller scale”, said a statement from the Ministry. “These cases have been associated with the discharge of fresh water from rivers that flow into this area”.
The statement also called on the public, particularly fishermen, to be vigilant and to collaborate with the Ministry staff who are working in the Bay, particularly by providing information that contributes to ascertaining the causes of the incident.
“We appeal to members of the public not to consume the fish that appear dead on the beach and in the sea”, the statement said.
(AIM)
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