KINGSTON, Jamaica – The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has expressed that, as they continue their investigations into the massive fish kill in Harbour View on Saturday, the incident is being attributed to a buildup of oxygen-depleting algae.

According to Anthony McKenzie, director of environmental management and conservation at NEPA, the fish in that area died due to a lack of oxygen.

“It is not an uncommon occurrence, especially in that area. We started our investigations yesterday, and based on our findings so far, it is pointing to the cause of the fish kill being a red tide that is presently occurring in the Harbour. What that means is that we have oxygen depletion resulting in the death of the fish,” he said. “We are, however, still investigating, and our investigations will involve NEPA, the National Fisheries Authority, and the Veterinary Services Commission,” he told Observer Online.

While admitting that the situation is a sad one, especially given the impact it could have on fisherfolk in the area as Christmas draws closer, McKenzie said it is likely Saturday’s incident won’t be the last.

“This section of the Harbour, I don’t know whether we would say it’s a pattern, but we have observed this happening in this section of the Harbour in recent times repeatedly. The bottom line is that this section of the Harbour is enclosed, and circulation is not as good as the outer Harbour, so water circulation depletes,” McKenzie continued, explaining that rains usually help replenish the water’s oxygen supply. “When it rains and there is a wash down from land, it helps to contribute to increased oxygen supply.”

Meanwhile, NEPA says it is not immediately looking to facilitate a cleanup of the area as the fish will be scavenged by other wildlife in the area. They have indicated, however, that should the fish start to decompose, they will initiate a clean-up protocol.

Thousands of fish washed ashore in Kingston Harbour on Saturday morning, raising concerns for residents and fisherfolk in the area.