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Frogs, fish and dead ducks floating on the murky green water that surrounds the island Quehuaya on Lake Titicaca Minor. Fishermen and visitors should cover their nose to navigate the site. An inter-institutional commission verified the death of amphibians and fish.
Three hours from the city of La Paz, in the municipality of Puerto Pérez (province Los Andes), it is the island Quehuaya and floating resort; its inhabitants live off fishing and agriculture try to rescue the species that inhabit the lake. A month ago, students of the educational unit of the place began the task of saving the fish and frogs.
Biology professor Justin Limachi, driver of rescuing species, recalled that during three days of high school students caught with nets Quehuaya two tons of ducks, fish and dead frogs. The remains were buried in the ground and covered with lime to prevent further contamination.
Amphibians and fish that were still alive were moved to less polluted waters, though there are fears that the dirty liquid reaches the whole area in a few months.
“In late March we were surprised by the color of water in the Lago Menor or Wiñay Marka Titicaca. Whole lake sector was green lens is floating on the surface and thousands of fish, frogs and ducks. Besides the smell is unbearable, “said biology teacher.
On April 20, The reason was present at the site and verified that there are still fish and frogs that come to the surface, sail a few minutes and then sees floating lifeless. Gulls seek their food from the water. The trapping some amphibian and feed on the remains began to flap and run along the shore, and within hours they perish.
Effect. As Enrique Calisaya, comunario of Quehuaya, the other residents of the area say the green coloration and fish kills are effects of the contamination of organic waste drag the Katari River, which feeds Lake Titicaca Minor.
One of the main causes of pollution Kohana Bay (area where the waste entering Lake Minor) is sewage coming from the municipalities of El Alto, Viacha, Pucarani, Laja and Puerto Pérez, according to Gonzalo Rodriguez, vice minister of Environment, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Forest Management and Development.
“In addition to the pollution that make the five municipalities to the waters of the bay, the effects are also due to mining activities, livestock and environmental liabilities in the mining area of Milluni” said the authority.
An interagency commission took samples of water, 7 and 8 April in Kohana Bay and the Strait of Tiquina, the Lago Menor, on the surface and 1.5 meters deep for contaminants of high and low intensity.
During the journey undertaken by the interagency commission changing color of the water a green hue and amphibians and fish death was verified.
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable world, shared by Bolivia and Peru with more than 8,000 square kilometers, is divided on Lake Maggiore and Lake Minor.
Lower Lake, the community members of Quehuaya regret that because of pollution floating island of 50 meters in diameter stopped receiving tourists, do not sell their crafts and are prevented from fishing in the area. They must navigate to the Lake Maggiore.
Quehuaya off the island is its twin, Pata Patani, passing through similar situation. A lot of dead fish and amphibians. Leandro Condori, originating authority, said his family lived for generations fishing, but pollution forced the young people to migrate to the city.
In the Bay of Kohana and community Karapata, pollution is similar to Quehuaya, but do not feel the smell of decomposition of organic material.
Affected in Peru and Bolivia
Towns
The municipalities affected by the contamination of Lake Titicaca in the territory of Peru are: Yunguyo, Anapia, Ollaraya, Unicachi, Copani. On the floor of Bolivia are Puerto Perez, San Pedro de Tiquina Huatajata Huarina, Laja and Battles.
Meetings
Representatives of municipalities gather for three years to hold governments start with cleaning the lake.
Courtesy of la-razon.com
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