Fish deaths in lake unexplained

Fish deaths in lake unexplained

PADANG, West Sumatra: Thousands of tons of fish have been
found dead in Singkarak Lake, 90 kilometers northeast of Padang.

They were first spotted on Friday and continued to cover the
lake's surface on Monday, causing a stench.

Experts from Padang-based Bung Hatta University said they
feared the bilih (mysitakoleneus padangensis), a species known
only to exist in the lake, may have become extinct.

Researcher Hafrizal Sandri said the fish may have been
poisoned by sulfur, derived from a number of sources. He said
winds and waves could have stirred up the element from the lake
bottom.

The lake bed is believed to be linked to the crater of the
active Merapi volcano in the province. The head of the fishery
agency here, Firial Marahuddin, said the cause of the calamity
was under investigation. The fish, a source of income to about
600 fishermen, are also exported to Malaysia. (28)