CoE investigates cause of death for numerous fish at Willow Wilderness Park
"Community members are urged to report suspicious incidents such as discoloured water to the city for further investigation,"
The City of Ekurhuleni is investigating the cause of death of numerous fish following a rescue operation to recover and relocate 120 fish from Willow Wilderness Park’s Dam.
On February 28, volunteers from Hurlyvale-based Eco Rubber Industrial and Multitool Industrial Supplies were hard at work recovering and removing fish they believed could be saved and rehabilitated.
Bedfordview and Edenvale News received reports from Ward 18 Alderman Heather Hart that a large number of fish were dying at the park.
Hart explained that the situation depicted a similar scene to that of 2017. Seven years ago approximately 80 fish were rescued from the dam.
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City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said water quality samples were taken.
Explaining the possible causes for the mass die-off, Dlamini said there could be several reasons at this stage.
“This includes pollution [sewage or chemical spillages] that affects the water quality, particularly dissolved oxygen levels. In some instances, the cause may be linked to fish diseases such as viruses.”
He said the best strategy at this point is to closely monitor the water body.
“Some aeration will help improve the dissolved oxygen levels,” he explained.
Dlamini said often the prevention of fish deaths depends highly on the prevention of pollution incidents in a water body.
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“It is critical that incidents are identified and addressed as early as possible to limit the negative impact on the aquatic environment.
“Community members are urged to report suspicious incidents such as discoloured water to the city for further investigation,” said Dlamini
Dlamini said the dead fish at the park’s dam will be removed for safe disposal and incineration.
