Regional Government monitors sporadic fish mortality in Carapacho Thermal Spa natural pools - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas

The Azorean Government, through the Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries and the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, in conjunction with the National Maritime Authority, is monitoring the presence of weakened or dead fish ( salema porgy specimens and one Mediterranean parrotfish specimen) in the natural pools of the Carapacho Thermal Spa, Graciosa Island.

Specimens were collected in collaboration with the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) for necropsies and laboratory tests, with a view to identifying the exact cause of the incident, as well as water samples to assess the environmental parameters of water quality in the pools.

Monitoring carried out by various entities confirms that this is an isolated incident restricted to the thermal pools, as no affected fish specimens were detected in the adjacent sea areas.

The Regional Government informs that it will disclose the laboratory results as soon as they are available. Until new guidelines are issued, caution is recommended, and any contact with affected fish should be avoided. For the time being, there is no cause for alarm.