Dr. Bashir Jamoh, Director General, NIMASA

To mitigate and put an end to the washing ashore of dead fishes in the coastal states of Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom and others, the Nigerian Maritime  Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commenced a scientific inquiry to identify the cause(s) of the recent shoals of dead fish washed ashore along their  Coastline and places within the region.

The Agency also put up a warning to the general public, especially the fisherfolk in the affected areas, on the dangers of consuming or selling the dead fish to unsuspecting members of the public.

Speaking on this development, Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, said, “We are working with relevant scientific experts to isolate the cause of the abnormal issue of dead fish along the Niger Delta coastline”.

“We want to identify the cause and establish what can be done to alleviate the adverse effect of this occurrence on the people and the marine environment in the affected areas”

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“While we are working to decipher and mitigate this strange incident, we appeal to locals in the affected communities and those who trade in aquatic animals to avoid consumption and sale of the dead fish, as such acts may carry criminal liabilities, especially with regard to deliberate sale of the dead fish to the public.”

Jamoh said the tripodal investigation would involve an examination of the dead fish as well as water and sediment analyses.

By its enabling Act, NIMASA has the mandate to regulate and protect the country’s marine environment as provided for in the Merchant Shipping Act 2007.

In a statement sent to Maritime Nigeria and signed by Mr. Philip Kynet, head Corporate Communications, NIMASA said the investigation is also in compliance with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 (MARPOL 1973/78), and other relevant instruments aimed at protecting the maritime domain.