Papua New Guinea's National Fisheries Authority says it strongly suspects a build-up of dead fish floating in the sea off Port Moresby is caused by scare-mongering linked to the deadly cholera outbreak.
A range of dead fish have recently been found floating and washed up by Ela Beach in the capital, causing fear among locals about potential health risks in the water.
The NFA investigated this unusual trend and managing director Sylvester Pokajam says it appears fish vendors are dumping their produce in the sea.
He says vendors have had a surplus of fish while a state of emergency remains in place for the cholera outbreak in the National Capital District.
"Not many people are eating fish now in Port Moresby. They're scared (because of the cholera outbreak). And as a result, the local fishermen, subsistence fisherman living in the coastal areas of Port Moresby, Central Province and some outer islands off the harbour of Port Moresby, cannot sell their fish."
Sylvester Pokajam
