Fish mortality reported in Veracruz lagoons due to eutrophication

Massive fish mortality has been reported in the lagoons of Vega de Alatorre and San Julián in Veracruz, Mexico. In San Julián, residents report that more than a ton of dead fish, including sardines and mojarra, have been found. The local ecosystem is struggling with a 40% coverage of invasive water hyacinth, which has contributed to the reduction of the lagoon's surface area and water depth.

Technical evaluations conducted by environmental and fishing authorities, including the Secretaría de Medio Ambiente and the Comisión Nacional de Acuacultura y Pesca, have ruled out chemical contamination, industrial discharges, or hydrocarbons as causes. Instead, officials identified eutrophication as the primary driver. This process, fueled by high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, combined with high temperatures and low precipitation, has led to algal blooms and hypoxia (reduced dissolved oxygen).

In response, the Ayuntamiento de Vega de Alatorre has implemented dredging and water flow rehabilitation to improve oxygenation. Local fishing cooperatives have proposed the construction of a breakwater to facilitate water exchange between the lagoons and the sea. Meanwhile, authorities have reminded the public that certain species, such as robalo and chucumite, remain under fishing ban until August 15.