Aquaculture company fined for environmental damage

The Department of the Environment today announced its first successful prosecution under the environmental protection act. On Tuesday Cherax Aquaculture, located near Monkey River Village, was found guilty of polluting the Sennis River which resulted in the death of a large number of fish including snook and tarpon. The fish kill, which occurred in May, was caused by the chemical Rotenone, which Cherax was using to kill fish in its own ponds. The poison apparently spilled into the river resulting in the environmental damage. A fine of five thousand dollars is considered light but, according to the D.O.E., should serve as a deterrent to others.