The National Environment Authority (NMA) Friday warned members of the population against catching, consuming, or sell fish from the Moeroekreek, a stream located in the northern part of Suriname following a massive fish die-off in the area.
NMA said it strong believes that an unknown pollutant has entered the water and that most of the dead fishes come from the area surrounding the upper reaches of the Saramacca River, near the Moeroekreek, not far from the indigenous village of Pikin Saron.
The NMA said that in collaboration with several other agencies, an investigation has been to determine the cause of the incident.
It is warning that the suspected contamination may also have spread further north with the flowing water and therefore, residents of the villages along this part of the Saramacca River are urged to exercise extra caution.
The NMA said that pending the results of the investigation, people are asked not to catch, consume, or sell dead or sick fish from the area, not to use water from the Moeroekreek and the immediate surroundings for the time being as drinking water, for food preparation, or other household purposes.
In addition, they should avoid direct contact with the water as much as possible and to report new cases immediately to the District Commissioner or other competent authorities.
‘The NMA emphasizes that the investigation is being conducted with high priority. As soon as there is more clarity regarding the cause of the fish mortality and the potential consequences for people and the environment, the community will be informed,’ it added.