IMA takes samples from polluted South Oropouche River

Deputy Director of Research at the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA), Dr Rahanna Juman, has confirmed that samples from the polluted South Oropouche River have been collected for testing.

She told Guardian Media that the timeline for results could not yet be given.

“A team from IMA went out yesterday to investigate. They collected samples that have to be analysed,” she said.

When Guardian Media visited the area, the river gave off a strong odour of rotting fish.

President of the Sustainable Climate Resilience Initiative, Edward Moodie, said officials from the Environmental Management Authority also had visited and begun investigations into the cause of the pollution.

Residents in Debe said they have repeatedly complained to the EMA about a company involved in hydro-blasting, fabrication and welding, which they believe has been discharging waste into the river. They said reports have been made for more than seven years without action.

The fish kill has affected several species including catfish, tilapia, salmon, shrimp, prawns and crabs. Moodie said the discovery of dead catfish was significant, as the species is usually able to withstand poor water conditions. He estimated the die-off stretched for about a mile and a half of the river.

Moodie added that Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Ravi Ratiram had been briefed.

He urged residents not to collect fish or crabs from the river for food or sale, since the cause of the pollution and potential health risks remain unknown.

He also raised concerns about long-term ecological damage, pointing out that juvenile fish normally destined for the sea were among those found dead. He warned this could affect future fishing in the area.

Guardian Media contacted Minister Ratiram for comment for a second day, but he has not yet responded.