ISLANDERS may have been surprised to stumble upon blue fish which have recently appeared near roadside drains…
The depictions of marine life are part of a government campaign designed to raise awareness about protecting water from pollution and to highlight the impact that waste can have on species, habitats and drinking water.
The initiative also aims to raise awareness of what individuals, schools and businesses can do to prevent pollution from happening.
‘Blue fish routes’ are also being created for every primary school in the Island, according to senior government environment officer Shelley Hawkins.
She said: ‘We are producing maps of the routes, which the children can follow, spotting blue fish along the way and following the water’s journey from their school to the discharge point (streams, reservoir or coastal waters).’
She added: ‘The first fish on the route is within the school grounds. The blue fish are used to mark surface water drains, which are designed to take clean rainwater from roads, roofs etc and transport it to a water body such as streams, reservoirs and coastal waters. Pollutants can enter these drains through error, on purpose or they can be washed in.’
The government hopes to have all the routes in place – and maps available on its website – by 8 June, which is World Oceans Day.
