ALBERTON – Jackson Dam fishing enthusiasts were shocked and dismayed on Sunday, June 28, when they found over one hundred dead fish floating in crystal-clear waters. The dam does not have a natural filtration system and the water is usually murky.
Robin Norton, leader of the Jackson Dam Fishing Club, noticed that fish were scarce in mid-May. On Friday, June 26, Robin noticed that there were many fish in the shallows of the dam and upon further examination, he saw that they had not been eating. On Sunday morning when he returned to the dam, Robin found that many of the fish had died. He immediately contacted Councillor Estelle Visser who notified the municipality. Robin and other club members removed the bodies from the dam to prevent further pollution.
Robin estimates that around 168 fish have died and is unsure of whether the rest of the fish will survive. “Usually the smaller to medium fish go first. The bass are the last to go and I’ve only found one.” He and the other members are devastated. Robin and the rest of the club fish using catch and release methods and base their fishing philosophy on sustainability and safety. He has cared for the fish for more than six years.
The fishing club is currently trying to raise funds for foods high in protein and carbohydrates to feed the surviving fish.
Clr Visser believes that the death of the fish is due to run off from a Rand Water pipe that feeds a stream running into the dam. She stated in an interview with the RECORD that, “Rand Water took water samples on Monday but have not come back with results yet”.
The RECORD has made contact with and is awaiting comment from both Rand Water and the municipality.
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