Fish samples to be tested at international lab

This according to a media release issued by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) yesterday.

According to the release, the Minister’s decision came after a meeting with officials from the EMA, Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) and the Caribbean Industrial Research Institution (CARIRI), and based on a report made by these agencies, the chemical COREXIT, algal bloom and internal parasites were ruled out as being responsible for the initial incident of dead fish. It was determined that dumping of bycatch was responsible for the first occurrence of dead fish, which included herring, mullet and catfish.

In order to provide further assurance to the general public, the Minister has consulted with Minister of Health, Terrance Deyalsingh, and the Chief Medical Officer to engage officials within the public health sector to undertake the required surveillance and quality monitoring of fish supplies. The Minister of Planning and Development has expressed grave concern about the continuing impacts on the livelihoods of all affected.

Earlier this week, Cocorite fishermen expressed their dissatisfaction with the level of investigation conducted into the reported fish kill by environmentalist and Secretary of Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (FFOS), Gary Aboud, and accused him of fear-mongering.