Mauritius bans fish sales from polluted lagoon

Mauritius' fisheries ministry has banned the sale and consumption of fish and seafood caught in a south-eastern lagoon after samples from the area returned positive tests for traces of hydrocarbons.

About 1,000 tonnes of oil spilled into a sanctuary for rare wildlife after the Japanese-owned ship MV Wakashio struck a coral reef on 25 July.

The National Coast Guard and the Fisheries Protection Services are working together to ensure round-the-clock surveillance and make sure that no fishing takes place in the affected area, the ministry said.

A second rally to protest at the authorities' handling of the massive oil spill is scheduled for 12 September in Mahebourg.