Samoan Villagers Still Fearful Of Contaminated Fish Near Manawanui Wreck
Article – RNZ
The New Zealand Navy vessel ran aground on the reef off the south coast of Upolu in early October 2024 before catching fire and sinking. Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific Journalist
People living close to where the Manawanui sank in Samoa are still concerned about fish being poisoned from pollutants, despite the country's Marine Pollution Advisory Committee deeming it safe to collect seafood.
Fagailesau Afaaso Junior Saleupu, who lives in Tafitoala village which right next to where the Manawanui sank, said people are still scared to eat fish collected close to the wreck.
'In my village where the Manawanui is grounding, people hardly go for fishing at the moment, the reason why, because they are really suspicious of getting any fish poison,' he said.
The Manawanui ran aground on the reef off the south coast of Upolu in early October 2024 before catching fire and sinking.
The New Zealand Navy has removed diesel, oil and other pollutants from the ship.
Samoa's government has also removed a 20-kilometre squared precautionary zone on 12 February which advised against fishing in the area.
Samoa's Marine Pollution Advisory Committee (MPAC) chairman Fui Tupai Mau Simanu said that it was removed following tests by the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa, which confirmed it was fine to fish in the area.
Fui said an impact assessment had also been carried out by MPAC, while another ongoing independent assessment is happening now which is expected to be completed at the end of June.
'The two reports will be the foundation of the decision making moving forward.'
He also said MPAC runs routine monthly tests as part of the monitoring programme.
However, Fagailesau said people are still worried and there's not the same number of fish as there was before.
'There are some other sea animals that we always use to make food and sell, until now we never see that again.'
Fagailesau said the community is still waiting to hear from the Samoan government on financial compensation.
'From the time that the Manawanui grounding, for our village there's beach fales, all the guests cancel.'
Fui said that people who lost income due to the Manawanui sinking would have an opportunity to apply for financial compensation.
'Discussions of compensation are going on at the moment. A separate committee has been appointed by Government to handle this,' he said.
There's still a 2km prohibitive area around the Manawanui.
Fui said the government is having a community engagement on 10 June.
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