Fisherfolk and others are highly concerned about the viability of the reported “recent” restocking of fish in the Rio Cobre after a number of the fish reportedly died in Bog Walk.

The deaths were reported over the weekend and follow the order for Bauxite Alumina Company Windalco to restock the Rio Cobre in St Catherine after a chemical spill.

That took place last Friday, but on Monday night reports came from the St. Catherine Parish Development Committee that several fish have died.

It is alleged that the lack of consultation with members of the community resulted in the disorderly manner in which the restocking was undertaken stated Kestonard Gordon, Vice-Chair of the parish committee.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the National Fisheries Authority Dr. Gavin Bellamy reportedly said the restocking was politicized.

This came as Opposition Leader Mark Golding and Donnie Bunting, a tilapia farmer, said they gave the commitment to support the restocking of the Rio Cobre but complained that the Fisheries Authority failed to respond to their request for approval to supply fish for the restocking.

An investigation into the restocking and death of the fish is underway.