The Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have directed the immediate stoppage of fishing activities in the polluted Butuah Lagoon at New Takoradi until further notice. This follows the dumping of a toxic chemical said to be used in the treatment of wood into the lagoon by an unknown timber company, resulting in the death of over 40,000 fishes. Speaking to the media, the Co-ordinating Director of the STMA, Mr Abdulai Zackari, said after the story broke, the assembly called a meeting with the EPA and other stakeholders to investigate the circumstances that led to the pollution. He said to ensure that the life of the community was protected; the STMA would take over the education of members of the community and inform those who might have eaten any of the fish to report at the nearest hospital. Mr Zackari said the assembly was very much aware of the economic importance of the lagoon to those who fish in it, but added that it was equally more important to let the EPA carry out a series of tests and investigations to clear it of any contaminant. He commended the Chief Fisherman of New Takoradi, Nana Ekow Ackon, the EPA and Zoomlion for the prompt action to clear the dead fishes from the banks of the lagoon. Nana Ackon said the lagoon was very important to the area, since the estuary was used as a breeding ground for various fish species. He said everything possible should be done to clean the lagoon for a possible restock by the Fisheries Commission to avoid the extinction of the fish stock.