In the aftermath of the X-Press Pearl ship tragedy, Sri Lanka’s ornamental fish exporters are sounding alarms about the apparent extinction of many species of marine ornamental fish native to the country’s sea areas. Additionally, numerous small fish species are reported to have become emaciated, according to Ajith Mannapperuma, Chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Sustainable Development.
Mannapperuma conveyed to the Daily Mirror that the ornamental fish exporters are facing challenges in locating these fish species, which were previously more abundant. He highlighted the distressing condition of forage fish varieties, such as sprats, which have also experienced emaciation. Moreover, the shores are witnessing the distressing aftermath of the tragedy, with carcasses of large fish species and turtles washing ashore.
The chairman emphasized that the adverse effects persist, and the sea continues to show signs of the tragedy’s impact, making it increasingly difficult to find many small fish species. The sea water has yet to return to normal conditions.
Attributing the damage to the ship’s toxic waste, Mannapperuma revealed that the color diversity of ornamental fish has suffered severe consequences. Even after six months, remnants of fuel patches were observed on the sea surface in the vicinity of the shipwreck, contradicting assertions from the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) regarding the complete removal of fuel.
Minister Mannapperuma insisted on the necessity of an annual assessment of the fish harvest in the affected areas, urging ongoing monitoring to track any sustained reduction. Fishermen’s claims of diminished fish availability in the region further underscore the urgency of a comprehensive evaluation of the ecological impact following the X-Press Pearl tragedy. Source – Daily Mirror
