Fishing activities have come to a halt in Kamgbunli, a community in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, due to a mysterious disease affecting fish stocks in the area.

Fishermen have raised the alarm over unusual skin infections in their catches, which have been developing red, swollen lesions that quickly turn into open wounds. Additionally, the fish have been showing signs of abdominal decay and scales falling off in patches, rendering them unsellable and unfit for consumption.

This disease has led to significant economic losses for the local fishing community, with many worried about the impact on their livelihoods. Local fishermen believe the root cause may lie in illegal mining, or “Galamsey,” activities that are polluting key rivers such as Fia, Ebi, and Amanzule. The pollution, they say, has led to a decline in water quality, devastating aquatic life and affecting indigenous fish species like the “Bile” catfish.

Former assembly member Shaibu Issaka voiced his concern, saying, “At first, we thought it was just a normal issue, but the repeated occurrences are now causing widespread panic in the community.”

Although the disease had not been reported to authorities initially, Issaka stated that following further incidents on January 10 and 11, the community plans to notify the district environmental office on January 13 to begin an investigation into the cause of the disease.

Until an investigation is conducted, fear and uncertainty continue to grip the fishermen and residents of Kamgbunli, who are calling on authorities to address the environmental crisis and find a solution to the ongoing fish disease.

Source:TheDotNews