The Ministry of Agriculture has launched an investigation into the mass death of fish in Athalassa Lake, the ministry said in a statement Saturday.
Samples have been sent to the General State Laboratory for thorough microbiological and chemical analysis to determine the cause of the incident.
“All relevant departments are in full coordination, taking necessary actions to investigate the incident”, the statement read, noting that Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr Maria Panayiotou, is overseeing the response.
The Water Development Department is analysing phytoplankton growth, while the Veterinary Services conduct histopathological examinations of the fish.
Preliminary evaluations suggest no immediate threat to human health or other organisms in the ecosystem, the ministry said. It added that such fish mortality events can occur naturally without human intervention.
“The State’s services are on high alert, closely monitoring and evaluating all data”, the statement continued, indicating readiness to implement corrective measures if necessary.
Results from the comprehensive analysis are expected by the end of next week. Meanwhile, the Forestry Department is removing dead fish from the lake.
The ministry emphasised its commitment to limiting future occurrences of similar incidents, should preventative interventions prove possible.
Read more:
