Greenish Sea Weed Threatens Western Coastal Waters

Accra (Greater Accra) 18 Nov.

A study that looked into the causes and effects of algae, a greenish cotton-like sea weed in the coastal waters of some communities in the western region has recommended the formation of a joint committee between Ghana and Cote D'Ivoire for co-management of shared river system. This is because studies conducted showed that the algae extended into Cote D'Ivoire. Negotiations on the issue Began in August this year when the president, Jerry John Rawlings paid a visit to Cote D'Ivoire. Dr.. Edward Dwumfour, Deputy Director of resource management, the weed in the Jomoro District last week. According to reports received by the EPA, unknown substances thought to be Toxic wastes appeared in coastal waters along the east Nzema and the Jomoro Districts of the Western Region in November. The substance which prefers inland shore appears periodically and makes fishing difficult as it destroys nets. It also turns the water green and becomes hard, cake-like, white and gives off bad odour when washed ashore. Tests conducted by the EPA and the Institute of Aquatic Biology (IAB) revealed the unknown substance to be non-toxic marine green Algae in bloom. The EPA, therefore, in collaboration with the department of sociology of the university of Ghana and the lab and the fisheries research and utilisation branch (Frub) of the fisheries department conducted studies into the origin, cause and the socio-economic impact of the bloom on the affected areas. Dr.. Dwumfour said such weeds usually appear in water rich in phosphate nitrate but the study revealed no such situation hence the need for sister institutions in the two countries to work together. He said it can also appear in the dry season because of coconut oil production but this could not be proved since the area forms part of the wetland and usually experiences a lot of rainfall through the year. "Two studies and various monitoring exercises have indicated that there is no apparent increase in concentration of chemicals in the water bodies. Reports that the algae bloom brought about health hazards in the area were also unfounded since general sanitation is not good, Dr.. Dwumfour added. On the socio-economic effects, he said apart from less catch, the fishermen have to suspend fishing in order to mend their nets. "This leads to loss of income while the youth who assist in the drawing of nets now roam about in town when the fishing activities subside." Dr.. Dwumfour said report recommended the need to provide the fishermen with credit facilities to enable them to acquire new nets for fishing. "This and other problems ought to be tackled as part of wide issues of socio-economic sustenance, rather than immediate response to the algae bloom occurrence." The report also recommended the dissemination of results in a simple and clear manner in the form of durbars to alleviate fears among the natives. In addition, attempts should be made by companies engaged in off-shore oil drilling to educate inhabitants about the consequence of their activities to put their minds at ease as to possible toxic substances that emanate from such activities. "The report, however, does not recommended the declaration of the area as a disaster area."

Gri.