Dynamiting possible cause of May fish kill in South Negril River

July 3, 2012

The fish kill which occurred in the South Negril River in Westmoreland in May was possibly as a result of persons using dynamite to harvest fish. This is according to the National Environment & Planning Agency (NEPA) which responded to and investigated the fish kill on May 10.

Fish samples taken from the river were analysed by the Pesticide and Life Sciences Laboratories at the University of the West Indies (UWI). Results from the Life Sciences Laboratories indicated that the fish were impacted by some type of explosion - which suggests the possibility of dynamiting.

The use of dynamite to harvest fish is a dangerous activity as dynamiting may cause harm to human health and the environment. It is also an offence under Section 10 of the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA) to use dynamite with the intent to take, injure or kill fish. NEPA therefore advises the public to desist from the activity.

NEPA also reports that the advisory cautioning consuming fish from the river is withdrawn.