August 18, 2010

Scientist declares uncontaminated fish in Goan waters

The migration of fish contaminated by the oil spill off Mumbai coast to Goan waters has been ruled out by NIO fisheries scientist Baban Ingole.

"The migration of fish from north to south on the west coast is not observed during the monsoon season," Ingole said, adding that it is very doubtful that contaminated fish from polluted waters may have reached the Goa coast.

Speculation is rife that contaminated fish may be caught by Goa vessels off the state's coast and brought to local markets or that fish supplies are being sourced from Mumbai. "We have stopped consuming fish for a week to be on the safe side because of the oil spill in Mumbai," said Vinda Kare of Margao.

The NIO scientist also said it was not possible for the oil from Mumbai to reach Goa as it had dissipated near the Mumbai coast, according to reports. The state is 500 kilometres away from the metropolis and it is unlikely that the oil will spread further along the coast once it hits the shore.

He felt that the oil may have entered the backwaters and mangroves and will cause damage in the interior areas.

While discounting the possibility of polluted fish reaching Goan markets, Ingole said the only possibility was the marine resource being brought by road due to tourist demand after harvesting from the polluted waters. "But it is not known where the oil has reached after Alibaug," he added.

Nandkishore Verlekar, deputy director of fisheries department assured that there is nothing to worry about. "The Goan fishermen go into the deep sea where the oil spill may not have spread. The oil has spread only in coastal areas in Mumbai," he said, adding that supplies of fish are routed to Mumbai from Goa and not vice versa.