A TALLY of fish deaths in New Ireland’s Madina has recorded more than 34,000 dead fish last month alone, which is the highest number documented so far.
About 34,000 dead fish from 34 different species were recorded by the Ailan Awareness Incorporated (AAI) team.
Of the total, 13,500 were collected during the first three weeks, while 20,500 were recorded in the last week alone.
The fish deaths were concentrated in two locations within Madina – Panabuk and Pandamau – where daily counts were conducted.
The highest daily count of more than 4,500 dead fish was recorded on May 10.
The species most affected was the bluestripe herring (Talai) which accounted for 90 per cent of the total fish deaths across the affected locations.
This was followed by big-eyed scad (Malabur), Indian anchovy (larger Talai), and rabbitfish (Nilpis).
Other affected marine life included saltwater eels, sea crabs, sea urchins, and octopus.
AAI founder John Aini clarified that the estimated total only included fish that washed ashore and were counted on the beaches, excluding any dead fish that may have been in the water.
“The numbers we have are only what can be seen on the beach, but there will most definitely be dead fish in the reefs and beyond, which means the actual numbers would be much higher,” he said.
Aini stressed that the crisis had gone beyond water contamination and fish deaths, and was now affecting human health.
Reported conditions included skin irritation, respiratory distress, severe diarrhoea, flu-like symptoms, and persistent coughing.
Aini added that the deaths of domestic pets had also become a growing concern.
“On Wednesday morning (June 10), we received another report of a puppy dying shortly after eating dead herring found on the beach at Madina,” Aini said.
He noted that, unlike previous domestic animal deaths reported during the crisis, the puppy’s death occurred almost immediately after consumption, indicating that the situation may be worsening.
Meanwhile, affected communities continue to wait for the Government to identify the cause of the fish deaths and provide support to those impacted by the crisis.
