Traders List Contrasting Reasons For Epe Fish Deaths As Lagos Govt Takes Samples For Testing

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has swiftly responded to reports of sudden and massive fish deaths in the Epe Tilapia Fish Farmers’ ponds, which were allegedly linked to ongoing dredging activities by Renecon Limited in the area.

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On Sunday, March 17, 2024, LASEPA officials, led by the Director of Zonal Directorates, Mr. Abiodun Ogunleye, visited the Cottage Fish Processing Center in Ebute Afuye Cluster, Epe, to conduct a preliminary investigation into the cause of the alarming fish mortality.

Chairman of Epe Local Government, Princess Surah Animashaun

“For proper scientific analysis, the following samples were taken for laboratory analysis to help unravel the real cause of the death of the species: soil sediments from six different points on the lagoon, including the dredging area; lagoon water from six different points; three live fish from the ponds; well water used by the community for cooking and drinking; a sample from the borehole donated to the community by Rencon Limited; as well as a sample from the borehole used by the military men in the lagoon environment,” stated an official post on the Facebook page of Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Lagos State.

The post further stated that all the samples have been taken to LASEPA’s certified laboratory for further scientific analysis and investigation, involving various departments, including Laboratory Services, Land and Water Pollution Control, Natural Resources, and the Epe Zonal Directorate.

Meanwhile, opinions differed among local stakeholders regarding the cause of the fish deaths. Kehinde Yinusa, a Facebook commenter, suggested that the proliferation of the water hyacinth plant, locally known as “gbeborun,” has covered the water surface, leading to heat stress and depleted oxygen levels for the fish.

Bunmi, a fish trader in the market, shared a similar view in an interview with Eko Hot Blog, attributing the fish deaths to a seasonal occurrence caused by the water hyacinth bloom, which prevents the free flow of water and depletes oxygen levels in the river where the fish ponds are located.

However, Alarape, another fish trader, acknowledged the water hyacinth’s role but also highlighted the dredging activities’ impact. “The dredging has not only disturbed the natural habitat of the fish but has also scattered sand, clogging their airflow and causing further stress,” Alarape stated, citing the disruption of food sources and the mounting debts due to the loss of their primary source of income.

In response, Surah Olayemi Animashaun, the Executive Chairman of the Epe Local Government Area, emphasized the natural seasonal patterns affecting fish populations and stated that the dredging activities have no direct correlation with the current fish deaths.

“It is crucial to recognize that different fish species have varying spawning and migration patterns, which can result in fluctuations in their populations at specific times of the year,” Animashaun said, acknowledging the well-established phenomenon among local fisherfolk.

However, Animashaun assured that if credible evidence links the dredging operations to the fish deaths or poses a threat to the ecosystem, the local government will promptly request the state government to temporarily halt the operations until thorough assessments and mitigation measures are implemented.

As the investigation continues, LASEPA’s findings will be crucial in determining the root cause of the fish deaths and guiding appropriate actions to safeguard the environment and the livelihoods of the local fishing community.

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