WILLEMSTAD - Carmabi, the Caribbean Marine Biological Institute, has called on divers and snorkelers to be vigilant about dead parrotfish. Through their Facebook page, the organization is seeking assistance in gathering information about the recent phenomenon of mass fish mortality on the seabed around Curaçao.
Recent reports indicate an increase in the number of dead parrotfish, which may have been poisoned by cyanobacteria. These bacteria, naturally occurring among the algae on the seabed, can sometimes contain harmful toxins.
These toxins are harmful to marine life and can cause the death of parrotfish, as well as other fish that consume these contaminated algae.
"We would like to determine whether these deaths are currently a larger issue in Curaçao," said a spokesperson for Carmabi. "That's why we urge anyone diving or snorkeling to bring any dead parrotfish they encounter to our institute in Piscadera."
Carmabi advises to promptly chill the found fish and transport them chilled to ensure the quality of the samples for research. Volunteers willing to assist can place the fish in a cooler box and bring them to the institute.
