Carmabi calls on divers and snorkelers after finding dead parrotfish

WILLEMSTAD – Carmabi, the Caribbean marine biological institute, has called on divers and snorkelers to be alert for dead parrotfish. Through their Facebook page, the organization asks for help in collecting information about the recent phenomenon of massive fish deaths on the seabed around Curaçao.

Recent reports indicate an increase in the number of dead parrotfish, which may have been poisoned by cyanobacteria. These bacteria, which occur naturally among the algae on the seabed, can sometimes contain harmful toxins.

These toxins are harmful to marine life and can cause the death of parrotfish, as well as other fish that consume this contaminated algae.

“We would like to determine whether these deaths are currently a bigger problem in Curaçao,” said a Carmabi spokesperson. “That is why we call on everyone who dives or snorkels to bring any dead parrotfish they come across to our institute in Piscadera.”

Carmabi recommends that the found fish be cooled and transported as quickly as possible to ensure the quality of the samples for research. Volunteers willing to help can place the fish in a cooler and bring it to the institute.

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