Water hyacinths pose threat to fish in Hamerkop Dam in Secunda
“We are going to have a foul odour in Secunda if we do not do this. If left like this, all the fish are going to die, float and create a bigger stench,” said Fourie.
Thousands of fish are in danger due to the invasion of water hyacinths that claimed their habitat in the Hamerkop Dam, next to the Secunda Duck Pond.
Barbel, bass and carp are among the fish living in this dam, however, its declining oxygen levels can eventually lead to fish deaths.
Equipped with nets, local fishermen from the Dezzie’s Angling Club and community members took to the Hamerkop Dam to remove the water hyacinth and relocate some of the fish.
Resident Peet Hatting sponsored equipment and manpower for the project. The removal ran over a week with everyone volunteering their time and resources.
Speaking to the Ridge Times Desmond Fourie of Dezzie’s Angling Club said the fish are struggling to breathe.
“The pollution in the water contributes to the flourishing hyacinth and endangers the aquatic life,” said Fourie.
The Ridge Times has reported on overflowing sewage drains right next to the Duckpond, the Hamerkop Dam and along the green strip in this area.
“We are trying to save the fish by beginning to relocate them. There are carp in here that weigh more than 20kgs,” said Fourie.
He said people are also eating the fish from this dam. There are signs of chopped-off fish heads and scales on the side of the banks.
“We have relocated fish to the Duckpond’s side and will relocate the rest to various dams around the area,” said Fourie.
The relocated fish will be quarantined for up to two weeks before being released into other dams.
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“If you take a sick or diseased fish from here and put it into another dam, you will ruin the whole fish population in that dam,” explained Fourie.
He said the fish will die if the hyacinths are not removed.
“We will have a terrible stench in Secunda if we do not remove these hyacinths. If left unattended, all the fish will die, float and create a worse odour,” said Fourie.
He said although planthopper insects have been planted to eat the water hyacinths, he feels it was done too late.
“The only thing that will help is manpower to physically remove the hyacinth,” said Fourie.
All the removed hyacinths were dumped.
If you would like to volunteer your time and services towards this project contact Dezzie Fourie at 083 498 9059 or Lappies Labushcagne at 072 354 1432 or Peet Hatting at 082 491 0326.
