…to carry out detailed investigation into sudden tilapia deaths.

In a swift response to a trending social media video report where the Epe Tilapia Fish Farmers under the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support Project of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture raised an alarm over sudden and massive death to their rearing tilapia fishes, which was alleged to be as a result of the ongoing dredging activities by Renecon Limited close to their fish ponds, today, Sunday, March 17, 2024, Officials from @LasepaOfficial visited the Cottage Fish Processing Center, Ebute Afuye Cluster, Epe, Lagos.

The team which was led by the Director of Zonal Directorates, Mr Abiodun Ogunleye went to carry out a preliminary investigation on what could have caused the sudden death of thousands of caged Tilapia fishes in their ponds.

For proper scientific analysis, the following samples were taken for laboratory analysis to help unravel the real cause of the death of the species; Soil sediments from six different points on the lagoon including the dredging area, Lagoonwater from six different points, three live fishes from the ponds, Well water used by the community for cooking and drinking, Sample from the borehole donated to the community by Rencon Limited as well as sample from the borehole used by the Military men in the lagoon environmentAll the samples have been taken to LASEPA’s certified laboratory for further scientific analysis and investigation.

Other Departments in the preliminary investigation include; Laboratory Services, Land and Water Pollution Control, Natural Resources and Epe Zonal Directorate. Dr Ajayi who received the team on arrival sympathized with the fish farmers, he assured that necessary actions would be taken to avert future losses. We will work tirelessly to minimize incidents like this and implement measures to safeguard Lagosians’ interests and environment.

CleanerLagos