Western Region: Fishermen alarmed by strange disease found in some fishes

 

Fishing activities in Kamgbunli, an Islamic community in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, have come to a standstill as fear grips fishermen over a mysterious disease affecting their recent catches.

Amidst the uncertainty, the fishermen are issuing an urgent appeal to all stakeholders to collaborate to investigate the root cause of the disease, seeking a swift solution to restore their livelihoods.

Fishermen in the area have reported a disturbing trend in their recent harvests. Over the past month, fish have been developing severe skin infections, characterized by red, swollen lesions that quickly turn into gaping wounds.

Additionally, the fish are experiencing rotten abdomens and scales falling off in patches. This has made the fish unsellable and unconsumable, causing significant economic hardship for the fishing community.

According to the fishermen, the root cause of this problem lies in the illegal mining activities (Galamsey) that have been polluting rivers like Fia, Ebi, and Amanzule.

The resulting muddy slurry has devastated aquatic life, affecting primary productivity and habitats of indigenous fish species, such as the “Bile” catfish. The fishermen are urging authorities to address this environmental crisis and find a solution to the fish disease epidemic.