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After Yaas, seawater algae on Mannar coast
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Algae seen on the Mannar coast
In the aftermath of cyclone Yaas’s impact on Sri Lanka, massive saltwater pool algae are being washed ashore along the Mannar coast, making it difficult for fishermen to engage in fishing activities.
Local fishermen complained that soon after the cyclone and the adverse weather due to the depression in the Bay of Bengal, large amounts of algae were seen along the shores in Vankalai, Thaalvupaadu, Olaithoduvai and Southbar areas.
The fishermen said this made it difficult for them to engage in fishing activities as algae got into the fishing nets.
Thaalvupaadu fisherman Dilon Fernando said he returned to the sea on Friday to retrieve the fishing nets he laid out the previous day but found more algae than fish in the net.
“We tried to lift the nets along with algae to our boat but we could not due to the heavy weight. Finally, we had to abandon the nets we purchased through loans. I’m not sure whether we can ever retrieve those nets,” Mr. Fernando said.
Fisheries Department officials said they believed the saltwater algae was the result of Cyclone Yass’ impact on the ocean.
Although the saltwater algae could be an impediment to fishing activities, it was not poisonous and would not cause any infection to fishermen, they said, adding that it could be used as organic fertiliser in coconut cultivation, they said.