Fishermen in Safata, Samoa, have been advised by local authorities to stop fishing after their catch was found covered in oil from the sunken New Zealand naval ship, HMNZS Manawanui. The ship struck a reef last Saturday, leaking 200,000 litres of diesel into the ocean.
The Marine Pollution Advisory Committee (MPAC) confirmed the spill has caused severe damage to the reef. Local matai, Tuia Paepae Letoa, expressed concerns about the impact on the community’s food supply and income.
“The oil is spreading to our mangrove reserve, which we rely on,” he said. “It’s a serious problem.”
MPAC is conducting environmental assessments, while the New Zealand government faces pressure to address the disaster under international laws.
Testing is underway on fish and water samples to assess contamination levels. Villagers have also reported a foul smell from debris washed ashore.
Source: PACNEWS