Estuary under threat
An entire section has been taken over by a green plant believed to be duckweed, which has completely covered the surface of the water.
OFFICIALS and residents are worried about the biological functioning of estuaries on the South Coast.
The Nkomba estuary in Pennington is now also on the list of concerns as an entire section has been taken over by a green plant believed to be duckweed, which has completely covered the surface of the water.
The presence of this plant in the Nkomba is of particular concern as it is found in water rich in nutrients. This typically comes from raw sewage spills, waste water works discharged before being adequately treated or fertiliser overflow from farms.
This has raised a serious red flag, because of its proximity to the jinxed Dolphin Drive pump station and another, smaller sewerage pump station on its banks.
Another aquatic weed – water hyacinth – has also been found in the Nkomba system for the first time. Both these weeds spread quickly and, when covering the surface of the water, lead to oxygen depletion in the water, making it toxic for fish and small animals.
In the winter months most estuaries are closed due to the low rainfall. During this time they become a nursery to many fish species.
The Mail has been informed that water samples from the Nkomba have been taken and that officials from the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and Ugu District Municipality have been informed of the problem.
