African Parks Manager for Nkhotakota Game Reserve, David Nangoma, has warned that the use of chemicals such as cypermethrin to catch fish in the Bua River poses a serious threat to both aquatic life and human health.
Nangoma said the chemical not only kills fish but also endangers people who consume it.
He made the remarks on Monday in an interview with Umunthu FM following the arrest of five suspected poachers within a week for using Cypermethrin in the protected river.
“The Bua River is a breeding ground for species such as Mpasa, among other species. If the chemical kills fish and makes them float on the water, it means everything with life in that area will also die. And as the river flows, the poison spreads to other areas, putting more species at risk,” Nangoma said.
He added that despite efforts to raise awareness among surrounding communities, some individuals continue to ignore the dangers of fishing in protected areas.
Nangoma has since urged the courts and other stakeholders to impose stiffer punishments on those found guilty, warning that chemical fishing is a danger not only to wildlife but also to people.
According to the U.S. National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), Cypermethrin is highly toxic to fish, amphibians and aquatic insects.
Researchers warn that when this pesticide enters water bodies, it can disrupt the entire aquatic ecosystem and lead to widespread die-offs.
