Fisheries Division rules out contamination in case of dead fish on Rockaway beach

Several dozen dead fish (kayee) washed up on the beach at Rockaway

Photos which emerged earlier this week of dead fish littering the Rockaway beach in Canefield raised concerns about possible water contamination in the area. However, acting Chief Fisheries Officer Jullan Defoe says preliminary investigation by the fisheries division has produced no evidence of water pollution in that location.

Earlier this week, when images surfaced of dozens of fish washed ashore, many speculated that pollution or water contamination by businesses operating in this area may have been the cause but a much simpler explanation – fishers discard – has since surfaced.

Speaking to Dominica News Online (DNO) Defoe revealed that the identified species of fish found on the beach was sprat which is locally referred to as kayee. According to him, this species is invariably of lower value hence, they are discarded when caught.

“This is not the first time this is happening but the thing is, as much as we love kayee, it is a very low value species for fishers to the extent that it is not even targeted. So it is often caught as a bycatch in the fishers attempt to target more valuable species,” Defoe stated.

The Chief Fisheries Officer explained that in the situation of a bycatch, the unwanted species are disposed of in the sea but are eventually washed ashore.

He said there was no evidence of a fuel or oil spill, nor was there any boat in harbor dispensing fuel during that period that could have caused the incident.

“So for now, we believe that the businesses had no part to play in this situation. From my experience, if there was some sort of pollution or contamination, it would be very unlikely that only one particular species would be affected as no other species were found on the beach other than sprat,” Defoe stated.

According to the fisheries div1sion official, their attempt to determine which fishers were operating in that area had been unsuccessful but he encouraged fisherfolk to practice little to no discard and suggested that unwanted catches be donated, or given to the public.

“Looking at the general context of food security, while kayee may have low value on the market, it is quite an important food source and if it is that the fishers feel it is burdensome to sell that species they should make it more widely available to the public,” Defoe advised.

He said fishermen also have the option of contacting the fisheries division which can assist in making  arrangements to them donate the fish and the prevent the wastage.

“There are a lot of people who need the important protein source which kayee contains so
we would be happy to assist the fishers in distribution,” Defoe stated.

He said the Fisheries Division would require the assistance of the Environmental Health
Department for a more intensive investigation for water contamination but assured the
public that regular discussions are held with business operators in that area on water
contamination and safeguarding of marine life.

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3 Comments

  1. A Greater concern
    October 18, 2021

    That preliminary report seems more like a wild guess to move responsibility / accountability and essentially give the businesses Possibly a hall pass than actually conducting a real investigation. This makes no sense to suggest that the fishermen would toss out the fish after its caught !!! sooo many people love kayee and would purchase them even if the “official” deem it a lower value catch to justify his erroneous claim… the lesser value would give them additional income.
    This phenomenon has been happening for years now..as far back as 30yrs as my personal experience leads me.
    Sir ,with all due respect ,kindly do a proper investigation to save our fishes and possible save humans from contamination/poisoning.

  2. SAVE OUR FISHES
    October 15, 2021

    …… Looking for the article I posted…What was wrong with it?

    ADMIN: Your comment was published. Note that comments are usually moderated within 24 hours (often much sooner) with the possible exception of weekends and holidays.

  3. SAVE OUR FISHES
    October 15, 2021

    Most of the time an overgrowth of toxic algae, known as red tide,
    Millions upon millions of fish are suddenly dying in mass death events all over the world, and nobody seems to know why it is happening. In many of the news reports, People are saying that they have never seen anything like this before. So is there a connection between all of the fish deaths that are now occurring all over the planet? If there is a connection, is there anything that we can do to stop the fish die-off? Sadly, they have been virtually silent about this phenomenon, most people have absolutely no idea that it is happening. Millions of fish are dying in mass death events every single month and most of the public is totally clueless. GHANA, USA all over the would. Canada. UK…most of them are sardines. I tend to think the ocean is drying up and has to do with Climate Change.

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