On Wednesday, a large number of dead fish were observed near Pickering Wharf in Salem, Massachusetts United States of America USA. The incident occurred due to a mechanical failure on a commercial ship, which accidentally released several thousand dead menhaden outside Salem Harbor.
Dead fish in Salem
Winds and tides then carried the fish to the South River and Pickering Wharf, making their removal a challenge for environmental officials. Councilor Domingo Domínguez assured the public that it was a simple accident and that there was no reason for public health concern.
The affected area is popular with fishermen, some of whom have taken advantage of the situation to harvest menhaden to use as free bait, particularly for lobsters, which can be quite expensive.
Salem Harbor Master Bill McHugh stated that the vessel was engaged in “seine bait fishing” when the net failed, resulting in the loss of the catch in the port. McHugh assured the public that the presence of dead fish on the surface of the water did not indicate poor water quality in the ocean.
Raising concerns
The Department of Marine Fisheries was immediately informed of the incident and recommended allowing natural processes to take place, with the tides taking the fish away and marine life consuming them.
Most of the dead fish were located between Palmer Cove Yacht Club and the boardwalk, raising concerns about the potential odor affecting nearby residential areas.
Salem District 5 Councilman Jeff Cohen responded to residents’ questions and assured them that the city had notified state authorities. If there were any health problems, the public would be informed immediately.
McHugh said that similar situations have occurred in Boston Harbor in recent years and that they have experience in handling such incidents.
He said that it was an accident due to the net breaking when lifting the catch, which caused the fish to be crushed by compression inside the net.
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