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Dead fish in the canal churns up controversy

SHARJAH/DUBAI - The claim by officials in Sharjah that the dead fish found in the Al Qasba Canal and Khalid Lagoon drifted in from Dubai's coastal waters where they died due to pollution caused by the one of the emirate's massive Palm island projects, has kicked up a storm, with experts in Dubai rubbishing the allegations as unscientific and inconclusive.

Abdul Aziz Al Midfa, Director General of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah, who maintains that the dead fish “definitely drifted in from the north” or, in other words, from Dubai, admitted that the death of the fish cannot be attributed to the Island project in Dubai.

Talking to Khaleej Times Al Midfa said that the dead fish of the species Aifa drifted into the lagoon from Dubai and the water current strongly proves that the fish came from Dubai.

Commenting on the issue James Wilson, CEO of Nakheel and Dubai Waterfront Company, said: “In the creation of Nakheel’s waterfront developments, one of our primary goals is to ensure that construction not only has a minimal impact on the environment, but that it actually enhances the environment above the original, predevelopment status. With contours and land masses formed on The Palm, Jumeirah providing perfect shelter, differing water depths and a varied substrate, an entire ecological network has formed around the island. The land formed protects each development from waves, creates sheltering nooks and crannies, populating this area of the Gulf with a huge assortment of marine life.

'As such, we refute the allegation that construction of The Palm islands has severely impacted marine life and assert that these islands have created habitats for fish and other forms of marine life, evident from the diverse array of fish that can be found in the waters off The Palm, Jumeirah. Nakheel remains committed to creating environmentally sustainable developments. Prior to and during the construction of The Palm islands comprehensive environmental impact studies were carried out which are backed up on a continual basis by an environmental management programme led by Nakheel’s Head of Research & Development, Dr Imad Haffar.'

On his part, Al Midfa explained that the particular species of fish mainly lives in the creek at this time of the year. “One factor that might have caused the death of the fish is the sudden change in the water temperature which is a normal phenomenon occurring every year. This phenomenon affects the concentration of the available oxygen causing fish mortality. Another factor that might have caused the death of the fish is the creation of the Deira Island. Creating an island requires dumping sands that results in sedimentation causing physical pollution that creates stress on the natural condition of the marine system. Pollution resulting from the Deira Island or any other industrial project adversely affects marine environment leading to the death of thousands of fish. Through the implementation of such ambitious projects, human beings are contributing in weakening the marine system. The tests conducted by the Sharjah Municipality showed that the caused pollution didn't result from a chemical or biological pollution and the water samples of the Qanat Al Qasba and Khalid lagoon are fine,” he explained.

Al Midfa added: “We can never control the sudden death of thousands of fish but we must not adversely contribute in polluting the marine environment by dumping and creating islands leading to weakening the marine system.”

Engineer Yehia Ramadan Al Bulooshi, Head of the Environment Section of Sharjah Municipality strongly believes that the dead fish drifted from outside to the Qanat Al Qasba and Khalid Lagoon. “The examination samples taken from the water of Qanat Al Qasba and Khalid lagoon showed that the water is not threatening the marine environment and that there are no other factors that might have lead to the death of the fish. Tests shows that the all the fish floated into the lagoon and the canal belly up. We are still conducting further analysis in addition to the frequent routine exams conducted on the Khalid Lagoon and Qanat Al Qasba. Abdullah Salem Al Amri, Director General of Sharjah Municipality is sparing no efforts in conducting further analysis to ensure that the marine environment is preserved and protected.” he added.

Some experts, while they agree such massive projects harm marine environment, however do not agree with Sharjah Municipality's conclusion on the dead fish.

More to it than meets the eye!

DUBAI — Speaking to Khaleej Times on condition of anonymity, a senior marine biologist, pointed out that the reports on the claims of Sharjah officials do not explain how exactly the fish died and how they ended up in the lagoon and canal.

“There's more to these allegations than meets the eye,” he said, adding that the waters in the Khalid Lagoon and the Al Qasba Canal are already polluted with effluents from barges and boats and sewage, which is released into the water body.

“Look at the picture of the dead fish (in the published report) and with the creatures you see lots of garbage and rubbish floating. My friends who live in Sharjah have described the water in the lagoon, which is also connected to the canal, as murky and smelly. They have the same thing to say about the treated sewage water that is used in the irrigation of all green islands on Sharjah's roads. I think the authority needs to look into these things before playing the blame game,” he added.