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LATEST NEWS UPDATES | Govt advises caution on fishing, consumption following Mumbai oil spill by Vijay Singh & Bella Jaisinghani

Govt advises caution on fishing, consumption following Mumbai oil spill by Vijay Singh & Bella Jaisinghani

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published Published on Aug 10, 2010   modified Modified on Aug 10, 2010

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) as well as state departments in Raigad district have advised people not to consume fish for some time, as they might be contaminated due to the oil spill near the Mumbai harbour.

Uran taluka tehsildar, Dilip Walunj, said that it was only a matter of few days that the fish ban advisory had been issued. "Fishermen traditionally do not venture out during monsoon due to the rough seas. This practice also allows fish to breed," he added.

However, the Koli community is hopeful the incident will not hit their livelihood as monsoon is a lean period for trade. This, they claim, coupled with the fact that devout Hindus are observing Shravan, will ensure that even consumers are not affected.

Moreshwar Patil, chairman of the Maharashtra Machhimar Kruti Samiti, said that most of the fish available in Mumbai's markets during this time of year comes in from outside, like Diamond Harbour in West Bengal, Paradip in Orissa, and areas of Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. "Fishermen from Maharashtra are obeying the official monsoon ban until August 15. Most of the salt water fish as well as Bengali sweet water favourites have been coming in from outside," Patil said. "Of the few fishermen who do venture out, some feel the catch of Bombay duck off Colaba may be hit."

Staple sea water varieties sold in fish markets around the city are pomfret, rawas, ghol, surmai, Bombay duck, catfish, prawn, lobster and crab. These are common types of fish caught off the Indian coastline with no regional variation specific to Mumbai. River fish like rohu and ilish are from West Bengal.

Interestingly, one of the foremost marine biologists in the country, Dr B F Chhapgar, certified that most varieties of fish were safe to eat. "Oil is lighter than water and floats on the upper surface of the sea, say up to 30 cm or so. The fish we commonly consume, including rawas, ghol, prawn, lobster and pomfret, are found deeper below. Mid-sea fish will not be harmed. The only variety one should avoid eating is the mudskipper, which does not find many takers anyway."

Despite the biologist's claim, Dr Khusrav Bajan, critical care consultant at Hinduja Hospital, advised people to stay away from fish until the full extent of damage has been assessed. "We need to exercise caution until we ascertain what kind of chemicals have dispersed from the cargo apart from the oil. Toxins from the leak could poison the fish. Those who consume the contaminated fish could suffer gastroenteritis or even kidney failure."

Fish Facts

Where does the city's fish come from?
During monsoon, fish is usually brought in from Diamond Harbour in Kolkata, Paradip in Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.

Common types of fish in city
SEA WATER | Pomfret, rawas, ghol, surmai, Bombay duck, catfish, prawn, lobster and crab FRESHWATER | Rohu, hilsa (brought from West Bengal.

Effects of eating contaminated fish
Gastroenteritis, renal failure. Experts say that the effects of toxins in fish may not be immediately visible, but may manifest over a period of time.

Fish off state coast: 4.5 lakh tonnes (2005).

 


The Times of India, 10 August, 2010, http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Oil-spill-Mumbaikars-Raigad-distt-cautioned-against-consuming-fish/articleshow/6285796.cms


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