Adverse effect of formalin on fishing practices and environmental degradation in Nembe, Bayelsa State

Abstract

Formalin (aqueous solution of formaldehyde stabilized with methanol) is one of the most used disinfectants in aquaculture. It is used to eliminate infectious agents but may be responsible for negative effects on fish and water quality. This work focuses o n physical–chemical properties of formalin and its adverse effect on man through the consumption of fish and its use by fishermen in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The types of treatments and the action mode of formalin are also described. The main consequences of formalin exposure to fish and man are; formalin causes extinction as it kills both the juvenile, eggs and the matured fish at the same time, It causes ecological unsustainability as it destroys the entire ecosystem for the survival of new fish for long period of time, It kills man silently because it biomagnifies and destroys the gastrointestinal tract of both the fish and man, It exterminates the typical smell of fish etc. This paper adopted political economy approach. This approach is primarily concerned with material conditions in the explanation of social life (problems of mass revolt inclusive). It is concerned with the social relations between people in the production process. It studies the economic laws governing the production and the distribution of material benefits (resources) in human society, and of various stages of its development. Essentially, it is a historical science that deals with materials that are historical or constantly changing and structural. This approach makes it possible for any social issue to be studied in its evolution – its past, present and future.

Keywords: Formalin, fishermen, Nembe, fish extinction and biomagnifies