Fish and Shrimp in Tangerang Sea Suspected to Be Affected by Cisadane Chemical Contamination

Marine animals such as fish, shellfish, and shrimp in the northern waters of Tangerang Regency, Banten, are suspected to have died due to chemical residue contamination carried by the Cisadane River flow.

The contamination of the Cisadane River originated from chemical residue from a pesticide warehouse that caught fire in South Tangerang earlier this week. The impact of the chemical contamination is suspected to have been carried by the river flow to the coastal areas of Tanjung Pasir in Teluknaga District through to Dadap in Kosambi District, Tangerang Regency.

Secretary of the Indonesian Coastal Women’s Association (KPPI) Tangerang Regency, Rosita, said the chemical contamination has been affecting marine life since Thursday (12/2) and has continued for several days afterward. According to her, shellfish and shrimp ponds belonging to fishermen located near the shoreline have been the most affected areas. As a result, much of the marine aquaculture has had to be discarded due to suspected chemical contamination.

“Along the edges are fishermen’s ponds. Each fisherman has had to discard more than two tanks of their catch,” Rosita said on Saturday (14/2).

The chemical contamination has not only affected shellfish and shrimp ponds but is also indicated to have poisoned sea fish near the shoreline. Rosita said the seawater also appears to have undergone changes, appearing oily and mixed with clinging particles.

Due to these conditions, many fishermen have chosen not to go out to sea out of concern that their catch may be contaminated with chemicals.

“We’re afraid that because it’s unfit for consumption, the public will blame us. They’d say, ‘You already knew the fish was contaminated by waste, so why did you harvest it,’” she explained.

When contacted, Tangerang Regency Fisheries Agency Head Rudi Hartono urged coastal communities not to consume or sell fish found dead along the shore.

“We urge our fishermen not to fish near the shoreline areas,” Rudi said.

Rudi said his office is currently awaiting the laboratory results from water sample testing of the Cisadane River conducted by the Tangerang Regency Environmental Agency (DLH).

Additionally, Rudi said his office has coordinated with the Fish Health and Environmental Testing Center under the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.

“And for now, we are all still waiting for the laboratory examination results. The results should come out in about 10 days,” he explained.