Researchers at the University of Ghana have attributed the recent washing ashore of some fishes and mammals along the country’s coast to low oxygen concentration in the waters.
A statement issued by the Marine and Fisheries Sciences Department of the University, however, said its preliminary investigations show that most parameters required for life in the ocean are within acceptable limits.
“Most parameters required for life in the ocean were within acceptable limits, with the exception of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), which was significantly higher than expected,” the statement said.
The University has, however, called for the acquisition of a research vessel for regular monitoring of the country’s coastal waters.
“We take this opportunity to reiterate our call for the nation to acquire a research vessel that would help with carrying out regular monitoring of our coastal waters,” the statement added.
“We depend very much on the marine living and non-living resources for a significant portion of our national wealth. It is implicit that we protect this asset through regular monitoring so as to avert any future calamity.”
Below is the full statement:
Background
The dolphins and other large fishes including tuna were washed ashore in some coastal communities of Ghana during the Easter festivities.
The Fisheries Commission, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Marine Police Unit of the Ghana Police Service have begun investigations into the fish mortality which has been recorded at Axim in the Western Region, Osu in the Greater Accra Region and Keta in the Volta Region.
The dead fishes were washed ashore between Friday 2 April and Sunday 4 April 2021, officials confirmed.
In a statement on Sunday, the Fisheries Commission said it is carrying out tests at its laboratories to establish the cause of death of the fishes.
“Upon arrival at the beach the team noticed that there were dead small pelagic and demersal fishes at the shore,” the statement issued by Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, Michael Arthur-Dadzie, said.
It added: “Initial observation of the fishes showed no wound /lesions on their bodies. It is to be noted that after two to three days of death of an animal pathological signs change. Samples of the fish were collected on ice to be examined critically in the laboratory.
“Sea water samples have also been collected at the beach in the Korle Klottey District in the Greater Accra Region.
“Examinations will be carried out on the fish gills and other histological examinations will equally be conducted to ascertain any pathological cause. The sea water samples collected will be analysed for physical, chemical and other biological parameters.
“The colour of the sea and temperature are normal. We assure everyone that we are working hard to ascertain the actual cause of mortality of the fish.”
Fred Dzakpata
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