Harbour View fish kill possibly caused by low oxygen levels in water - NEPA

By Nakinskie Robinson    

 

The National Environmental Planning Agency (NEPA) is theorising that the recently reported fish kill in Harbour View, East Kingston was caused by low oxygen supply after days of heavy rains.

 

Anthony McKenzie, Director for Environmental Management and Conservation at NEPA, provided the update while speaking with Radio Jamaica News on Monday morning.

 

"We are postulating that because of the rain, it caused that area to be anoxic and contributed to the fish kill. It's a little early but that's our postulation so far. But we're taking it from all angles. Under anoxic conditions, the water column is depleted in oxygen levels. So marine life and fish thrive at certain oxygen level within the water column and when that condition is no longer, then it can result in the fish kill," he explained.  

 

He said NEPA is also probing whether a chemical spill is behind the incident. 

 

Mr. McKenzie said NEPA has been working alongside the Jamaica Defence Force on the ground.

 

He added that the results of the investigation should be finalised by Tuesday. 

 

It's reported that the fish kill has stretched for several miles along the Airport Road, and is reportedly threatening the livelihood of fishers who ply their trade in the vicinity of the Dry Dock.