Fishermen in Karachuonyo constituency are perplexed by deaths of young tilapia in Lake Victoria.
Fishermen operating around Kendu Bay pier woke up to find tilapia floating on the water, some already dead.
Their attention was drawn by birds hovering over the lake shore. The birds flocked the area to scavenge on the fish.
Some youths who wanted to collect the fish were asked to stay at bay because they had an intention of eating the fish or selling them.
Fisherman Abdala Ondiegi visited the area when the youths had began collecting the fish for sale.
Ondiegi said they denied the youths access to collect the fish because they did not know what caused their death. They argued that it was not fit for human consumption.
“We’re perturbed by the death of natural tilapia fish in the lake. Many birds are feeding on them,” Ondiegi said.
Karachuonyo beach management unit chairman Ibrahim Kasera said they started witnessing death of tilapia fish in other beaches in the area since Thursday last week.
He said the fish die along the shore of Lake Victoria in various beaches in the area. The worst affected are Kendu Bay and Kagwa beaches.
“Let the relevant authorities investigate the cause of death. Some fish portrayed signs of suffocation before they died,” Kasera said.
Most of the fish jump from the water to show that they are looking for oxygen, which might imply they are suffocating in the water.
The Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute was asked to speed up investigation into what is killing the fish.
Kasera said this will help in rescuing the lives of other fish in the lake.
“Let KMFRI intervene by conducting a study on what kills the fish so that a solution can be found. It’s important to save lives of fish in Lake Victoria,” he said.
The problem occurs at a time when water in the area has turned dark due to what is suspected to be pollution by algae.
The BMU chairman said research should also reveal suitability of the dead fish for human consumption.
“People are scared about the death and not sure of the safety of the dead fish. Let the agencies test suitability of the water for human consumption because it is dark instead of being clear,” Kasera added.
Homa Bay County Director of Fisheries George Okoth said he had heard about the death of fish.
“Our officers are on the ground to look into the matter and furnish us with a comprehensive report,” Okoth said.