Study reveals mercury contamination and antibiotic resistance in bacteria on the Maharashtra coast

Although the mass fish die-off along the coast of the West Cape appears to have ended, questions remain regarding how to proceed when dead fish are discovered. It is important to note that this fish should not be taken home for cooking.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has issued a strict warning to the public: 'As a precaution while testing continues, the public must not collect or consume dead fish found on beaches.'

Residents are advised, if possible, to report the incident. It is necessary to record the exact location, date, and approximate number of dead fish, and then pass this information to local authorities or environmental management agencies. Contact can be made with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) or the local municipal/coastal management.

It is also crucial to leave the fish in place. This will allow trained scientific observers and environmental inspectors to collect uncontaminated samples for laboratory analysis.

DFFE added that although the mortality event has concluded, investigations are still underway. These specialized analyses require time, as samples must undergo several stages of preparation, testing, and verification before results can be reliably interpreted.

DFFE reported that 'West Coast canning factories continue to accept healthy sardines caught north of St Helena Bay, while some factories in affected areas have decided to wait for the Department's results before resuming operations. The cause has not yet been established. A large-scale investigation involving the Department, research institutes, specialized laboratories, the fishing industry, and other collaborating scientists is ongoing.'

The Department specified that samples of dead sardines were obtained from Saldanha Bay, Hout Bay, Betty's Bay, and the Cape Canyon area, while healthy sardines were collected from Eland's Bay and Lambert Bay for comparison.

The South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) and Rhodes University are conducting disease testing, while SAIAB and a specialized commercial laboratory are checking samples for marine biotoxins. Department scientists are studying water samples, stomach contents, and gills for harmful algae.

As part of the investigation, basic biological examinations were also conducted, including measuring size, weight, condition, and maturity, as well as macroscopic examination of the gills.

DFFE noted: 'In Saldanha Bay, when the die-off began, there was a harmful algal bloom caused by Alexandrium catenella. This harmful alga has previously been associated with sardine die-offs in South Africa and remains one of the possible causes under investigation. However, it has not yet been found in water samples or sardine stomach contents, and preliminary analysis has not revealed an algal cause.'

According to oceanographic information provided by SAEON and CSIR, before the incident, increased upwelling, unusually cold coastal water, and low oxygen levels were observed in St Helena Bay. It is believed that the southern current along the coast may have transported affected fish from the West Coast to Cape Point and further east. Nevertheless, the Department emphasized that these observations provide useful context but do not establish the cause.

No wider consequences for the marine ecosystem have been reported at this time. Further updates will be provided after receiving the results of disease testing and initial biotoxin data.

Furniture made of wood, cabinets, or any decorative items serve to decorate the home, so many people order products made from timber. When creating new cabinets, kitchen sets, or TV stands, people first pay attention to design, color, and cost. However, there is a factor that can ruin any choice and wasted money—termites. Termites are capable of gradually destroying an entire cabinet, making it hollow.

The risk of termite appearance increases, especially in conditions of high humidity and during rain. Often, by the time the problem is discovered, the wood is already severely damaged inside. In such cases, simply applying an 'anti-termite' coating to the cabinet is not enough; it is much more important to choose the correct material for furniture manufacturing. If you want your kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, shoe cabinets, or TV stands to remain sturdy and durable for years, you should choose materials with a low risk of termite infestation and moisture damage. Four such materials that are rarely susceptible to termite attacks are presented below.

If you want termites never to appear in your cabinet, aluminum can be a good choice. It does not contain cellulose, which is food for termites, and it does not absorb moisture like wood. This is why aluminum cabinets can be very useful for kitchen areas where steam and water are used around the clock, which often leads to the deterioration of wooden cabinets.

Aluminum cabinets reduce the risk of termite infestation, do not quickly deteriorate due to moisture, are easy to clean, and are also light and strong. They can be used in modern design, although the strength of an aluminum cabinet depends not only on the material itself but also on the quality of the frame and fasteners.

If you like the look of wooden furniture but want to avoid termite problems, PVC board is a good option. It is less susceptible to moisture damage than wood and does not attract termites. It can be used in various colors and finishes. Additional protection can be provided by applying high-pressure laminate to it, which gives the cabinet both protection and a wood-like appearance. This material is suitable for kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, TV stands, and shoe cabinets.

If you prefer the natural look and feel of real wood, you can consider making cabinets from treated hardwood. Some types of wood naturally contain oils and properties that help repel insects. These species include teak, mahogany, and cedar, which are generally considered more durable. However, one cannot conclude complete protection of wood solely based on its type. The quality of the wood, humidity level, treatment, and special processing methods are very important. Therefore, when using hardwood, it is crucial to pay attention to professional anti-termite treatment and proper sealing.

Currently, various composite materials are also used for cabinet manufacturing. These materials are created by mixing different engineering components into a board that is more resistant to moisture and termites compared to wood. Such materials can imitate wood texture and offer diverse finishes. Thus, if you want your cabinet to look stylish and last a long time in high humidity conditions, composite board will be a good choice. It reduces moisture impact, prevents swelling, is easy to maintain, available in many colors and finishes, and easily matches modern interiors.

Despite annual flooding in Bangalore during the monsoons, the city faces water scarcity issues. Observing the disappearance of the city's lakes under layers of concrete and garbage, Harsha Tej decided not to stand idly by. He resigned from his job and began restoring the lakes that once defined the city's appearance.

Harsha tirelessly worked on clearing invasive vegetation, planting native trees, and restoring habitats, lake after lake. Today, thanks to his BlueDot Foundation, eighteen lakes across Karnataka have been restored, and over 150 thousand native trees have been planted, creating spaces for nature to return.

Lake restoration means more than just conserving water resources. This process helps bring back birds, replenish groundwater, restore ecosystems, and mitigate flood impacts. Thus, Harsha is not just restoring lakes; he is helping to revive the Bangalore he remembers.