Large number of fish found dead in Ullal

Large number of fish found dead in Ullal

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore Feb 18: A large number of dead fish, especially Catfish, was discovered along the sea shore as well as floating on the water near Kotepur, Ullal on Feb 18, Thursday, early morning. A number of fish were observed trying to jump out of the water. The curious phenomenon was observed along a 4-5 km stretch of the seashore. The fishermen of the locality suspect dangerous levels of pollution to be the cause for this. 

A young fisherman called Venkatesh said that, although finding dead fish along the seashore is common, fishermen have never seen dead fish in such large numbers. Such a curious phenomenon was once witnessed only 30 years ago, he said. 

Discarding the common fishing community belief that it miraculously rains fish sometimes, Narayan, a fisherman with 30 years of experience, said that sea water contains certain dangerous poisons that cause the death of the fish. He observed that a number of factories are releasing dangerous pollutants into the sea. 

The local fishermen are now scared that they will run into a loss, especially if the Catfish is harmed. This variety is in great demand at the fish market for its wonderful taste and is the major source of income for many fishermen.

The fishing community has requested the various departments concerned to investigate the occurrence and eliminate the factors responsible for it. They also demanded stern action to be taken against the factories that are polluting the sea. 

Although the fishermen community has alerted the fisheries department and the Pollution Control Board, none of the officers concerned have paid a visit to the area.