Canacona: Betul fishermen have sought clarity from state govt over reports of cadmium contamination of oysters, saying the issue has created fear and uncertainty among fishermen families, depending on shellfish harvesting for their livelihood.Local fisherman Avinash D’Silva said that oyster collection is an important source of daily income for several families in Betul. He said reports of contamination had affected fishermen’s earnings and left collectors uncertain about whether they could continue their normal activities.It is the duty of authorities concerned to clarify the situation without delay, said D’Silva.Velim MLA Cruz D’Silva also sought clarification of the reported contamination from the fisheries department, directorate of health services, Food and Drugs Administration, Goa state pollution control board, environment department, and the National Institute of Oceanography.He has sought the complete NIO report, independent verification and extensive sampling of oysters and the other shellfish from different coastal areas to establish the extent of contamination and health risk, if any.
