Pollution Concerns Increase As Massive Fish Die-Off Now At Rio Olympic Sailing Site

Editorial Coverage Sponsored By FINIS

By Steven V. Selthoffer Chief European Columnist Swimming World

RIO DE JANEIRO – CTN News published an AP article stating that Rio de Janeiro’s state environmental protection agency is “investigating a massive fish die-off that has left thousands of carcasses floating in waters where the sailing events are to be held when Brazil hosts next year’s Olympics.”

“The dead white shad were discovered by inspectors conducting routine water testing in Rio’s sewage- and trash-filled Guanabara Bay. The agency is conducting tests to determine the cause of the die-off, with results expected in a week, it said in a statement today.”

The article also said it may be related to the fish die-off in Guanabara Bay last November when oxygen levels dropped and 60 tons of dead fish were trucked away.

Other “die-offs” were noted to have happened also in the Olympic rowing venue at Rodrigo de Freitas Lake where “die-offs are common.” For some reason, that is not very comforting to know.

The AP article is well researched. It’s a good read. They noted that the dead fish were washing ashore on the coastline of the Rio International Airport, which is now simultaneously receiving IOC Committee member inspectors who are there this week to determine the progress made on hosting the Games.

Along with the fish die-off, the AP article also noted that “the Jacarepaqua lagoon system is also filled with sewage and trash.” The environmental group Olho Verde published a photo of a “massive bacterial bloom inside the lagoon that has spilled out onto the Atlantic and a popular nearby beach. The Cyanobacteria… gives the water a vibrant blue-green hue and can sometimes prove toxic to humans and other plant and animal species.”

That should be a major concern for all Olympic open water, triathlon and sailing athletes.

The article also stated that Nawal El Moutawakei, head of the IOC inspection team in Rio this week said, “We have been given the assurance that all the venues” will be clean enough “so that the athletes can compete in a safe and secure manner.”

Fran Crippen’s memory and shadow looms large over Rio

That statement should raise concerns again regarding the health and safety of the athletes. After the death of Fran Crippen, USA on October 23, 2010 during a FINA Open Water swim in the UAE, the health and safety issues for open water swimming are still being debated.

To this date it is still not sure what “clean enough” means. Nor should anyone trust “assurances” that the venues will clean “so athletes can compete in a safe and secure manner.”

We are still not aware of any agreed upon matrix of measurements, comparisons and agreed upon water standards for open water, triathlon and sailing events.

More questions than answers

What are the assurances? How can Rio 2016 organizers be sure? What are the criteria and measurements? What will they do tomorrow that they haven’t done today or yesterday? What are the new standards for water pollution, bacteria and sewage levels for open water, sailing and triathlon events?

These are important questions that demand answers from FINA. Athletes, coaches and NOC officials are rightly concerned. They deserve accurate, thorough and timely answers to serious questions.

Fran Crippen was a world-class competitor who gave his best to his team, country and his friends around the world. The athletes deserve the same from the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee and their sport federations.

We still do not have any public safety standards established and harmonized for the open water sports that we’re aware of. The clock is ticking on the countdown to Rio opening ceremonies continues.

We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

For more information please go to: CTN News

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