Upset fisher folk and residents of Zepherton in St. Catherine are calling on the authorities to take stronger action against entities responsible for frequent fish kills in the Rio Cobre.

This in the wake of reports today that an alleged effluent spill, following heavy rainfall, caused yet another fish kill in the river.

Videos of the incident are circulating on social media. 

Meantime, the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) has joined the residents in expressing frustration at the frequent fish kills.

JET Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie said despite repeated assurances from the authorities that measures have been taken to prevent a fish kill, the incident keeps recurring.

And, in response to the concerns, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) said it has launched a probe into the incident.

In a statement, NEPA said it was alerted this morning to what it called a moderate fish kill, occurring along a section of the Rio Cobre.

It said it was made aware of the incident via its early warning system and has since dispatched a team to investigate. 

NEPA said initial observation indicates that the cause may be associated with a caustic chemical.

It said the water appears cloudy and gives off a caustic scent.

NEPA said the incident occurred between the communities of Zepherton and Vanity Fair, and so far, it appears that the toxic substance is contained in that area.

It has urged persons to avoid using water in that section of the river for domestic or recreational purposes, until further notice.