Fishermen on the coast of Safata district on Upolu island have been told to discard fish covered in oil from the New Zealand naval ship HMNZS Manawanui as authorities confirmed leakage of 200,000 liters of diesel.
Samoa Observer reports the Marine Pollution Advisory Committee (MPAC) confirmed approximately 200,000 litres of diesel had leaked into the ocean and substantial damage to the coral reef.
Fishermen from various villages in the Safata district alerted authorities after finding their catch covered in oil, and have been told to refrain from fishing in the area.
A matai of Safata district, Tuia Paepae Letoa told the newspaper that the discovery of fish covered in oil was reported for further investigation.
He said the community is starting to feel the effect of not being able to rely on marine life for their daily food source and income.
He said the wind and current have carried the oil towards the neighboring villages and the Safata mangrove reserve.
“It is a very serious problem for the district…not only is this hurting our livelihood, damaging the reef and coast, it is also spreading to our other reserves we depend on.”
