Suspected mass fish death in Velidhoo lagoon linked to mackerel cooking water dumping

The Velidhoo Council has reported a large number of dead mullet fish in the island's lagoon, suspected to be caused by the dumping of water used for cooking mackerel from a boat. Hafiza Ibrahim, Deputy Mayor of Velidhoo Council, stated that the incident occurred yesterday evening when a boat carrying mackerel arrived near the North Velidhoo port to load petrol and emptied the cooking water into the lagoon. Witnesses confirmed the dumping. Similar incidents have been reported in the past. The council is currently cleaning the lagoon and has dug a large pit to dispose of the dead fish. No statement has been received from the Environmental Regulatory Authority or the police regarding the matter.