Fish Death In Lake Maninjau, West Sumatra, Nearly 1,000 Tons

AGAM - The Department of Fisheries and Food Security of Agam Regency, West Sumatra recorded the death of fish in Lake Maninjau to be 997 tons.

"The fish that died suddenly increased by 85 tons on Thursday (12/23)," said Head of the Agam Fisheries and Food Security Service, Rosva Deswira in Lubukbasung, as quoted by Antara, Thursday, December 23.

Rosva said the 85 tons of dead fish were scattered in Nagari Sungai Batang 50 tons, Nagari Tanjung Sani 20 tons and Nagari Maninjau 15 tons. With the increase in dead fish in Tanjung Sani Nagari, the total death toll in the Nagari is 420 tons.

"Previously the fish mortality in Tanjung Sani Nagari was 400 tons," she said.

The fish deaths have spread to eight villages or all villages around the volcanic lake, namely, Nagari Sungai Batang 50 tons, Nagari Tanjung Sani 420 tons, and Nagari Maninjau 15 tons, Nagari Koto Kaciak 300 tons, Nagari Koto Malintang 12 tons, Nagari Koto Gadang Anam Koto 200 tons.

For Nagari Bayua, she added, they are currently collecting data on sub-district extension officers. "Members are recording fish deaths because we received information about dead fish in the Nagari," said Rosva.

The fish died from lack of oxygen after strong winds accompanied by heavy rainfall hit the area. With that condition, the oxygen in the waters of the volcanic lake is reduced, so the fish become dizzy and die.

"The deaths of 997 tons of fish occurred from December 6 to 21. I regret that farmers dump fish carcasses into the lake, resulting in pollution," she said.