Thousands of fish die in Rio de Janeiro waters

Environment Updates

Thousands of fish die in polluted Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 13 March, 2013 : - - Thousands of dead fish have been removed from the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon after oxygen levels dropped due to pollution, according to local media. The lagoon will host the rowing competitions in the 2016 Olympic Games.

Located on the outskirts of Rio's most fashionable spots (Ipanema, Leblon, Gávea, Jardim Botânico) the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is connected to the sea by a canal. On its banks are parks, sports grounds, ice- skating rinks, hiking trails and cycle paths, as well as pedalos.

                                                              Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon

Thousands of dead fish washed up on the shores of the lagoon. Brazilian authorities said a large amount of organic matter entered the lagoon as a result of two recent large storms, consumed oxygen, and brought it down to critically low levels.

This situation caused a massive die-off of shad, whose number had risen since mid-February after the fish had entered the lagoon to spawn. The lagoon is connected to the Atlantic Ocean via a canal that splits the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon.

Source: Brazil Media/Reuters

Author: The Editors

Tags: Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, Rio de Janeiro,

Environment