Fish Deaths Reported Off Nakkapalli Coast; Probe Underway
Concern gripped fishermen in Rajayyapeta village of Nakkapalli mandal on Saturday after several dead fish were found floating along a stretch of coastal waters, prompting swift action from the Fisheries Department.
Fishermen who first spotted the incident alerted local residents and officials, raising fears of a possible disturbance in the marine ecosystem. The sighting led to anxiety in the fishing community, with many choosing to suspend fishing activity for the day as a precautionary measure.
Officials from the District Fisheries Department visited the site and conducted a preliminary inspection of the affected area. Water conditions were assessed and samples were collected for laboratory testing.
A fisheries official said there was no indication of a serious threat at this stage. “We have inspected the area and collected samples. There is no cause for panic. Preliminary observations suggest that recent weather fluctuations may have caused changes in sea surface temperature or dissolved oxygen levels, which can sometimes lead to such incidents,” the official said.
He, however, stressed that these are initial findings and that a definitive conclusion can only be drawn after laboratory results are received.
In addition to fish samples, water samples have also been sent for analysis to rule out any possible contamination or ecological imbalance. Post-mortem examinations are also underway to support the investigation.
“We will be able to confirm the exact cause only after we receive the laboratory reports. Until then, we request people not to speculate or circulate unverified information,” another official said.
Fisheries authorities said the situation is being closely monitored, with field teams instructed to keep a constant watch on the coastal stretch. Officials also engaged with local fishermen to explain the preliminary findings and ease concerns.
Meanwhile, fishermen associations have urged the department to expedite the testing process, noting that even short-term uncertainty affects daily livelihood operations.
The department reiterated that any advisory or action will be issued strictly based on scientific evidence and appealed to coastal residents to rely only on official updates.