An investigation to identify the cause of death of fish at Murray Park Dam has been undertaken by the City of Ekurhuleni.
This follows the publication of an article in the Advertiser’s November 5 edition, “Hyacinth possible cause of dead fish”.
It was reported that hundreds of dead fish could be seen floating on the surface of the dam.
Local fisherman Willie Jordan suspects the hyacinth infestation could be causing the large number of deaths.
Ekurhuleni divisional head of communication and media relations Nhlanhla Cebekhulu said an investigation is ongoing to identify the cause of death.
“Protection and conservation of biodiversity is one of the core objectives of the metro.
“The general plan is to address the cumulative and other impacts that affect the waterbodies as a holistic approach to ensuring the waterbodies are functioning as efficient and effective systems.
“This is an integrated intervention by all departments that their operations impact on waterbodies,” said Cebekhulu.
Cebekhulu ruled out herbicide being a possible cause.
“We haven’t applied herbicides on site this year yet and the herbicides we use for the City of Ekurhuleni waterbodies are Kilomax and Seismic which have been endorsed and recommended by the Department of Water and Sanitation.
“Assessment of the fish sample by biodiversity specialist (limnologist) from the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will determine the cause of death.”
