Subscribe now

Toxic brew engulfs Namibia's fisheries

By Jon Copley

7 February 2004

UNDERSEA eruptions of noxious hydrogen sulphide are having a major impact on one of the world’s richest fisheries. Satellite images show that toxic eruptions off the coast of Namibia are more frequent and widespread than anyone realised.

The world’s most productive fisheries are found in upwelling regions of ocean, where wind-driven currents fertilise surface waters with nutrients from the deep. The Benguela upwelling along Namibia’s coast has the strongest such currents in the world. The area supports a fishery that was worth around US$400 million in 1998, providing Namibia with its second largest source of revenue after mining.

But trouble…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop