It has launched an investigation to get the bottom of the mysterious mass fish deaths. The NMA has already collected samples from the river and the fish and the authorities are asking the communities that are located along this river to wait patiently for the results from the laboratory. Officials have warned local residents to refrain from catching, eating or selling dead or sick fish. They have also asked the local residents not to use the water from the river for cooking, drinking and bathing. Officials also advised residents against swimming in the river. The NMA is staying in close contact with the National Coordination Center for Disaster Control (NCCR), the District Commissioners’ Offices, the tribal leaders and other organizations that are also involved in the investigation. Local residents sounded the alarm after they had spotted a mass fish kill in the Moeroe Creek north of the Amerindian village of Pikin Saron. The NMA suspects that an unknown substance ended up in the water and resulted in the mass fish deaths. Investigators explained that the current brought the dead fish up north. Multiple villages that are located along the Saramacca River have been hit by the aftermath of the mass fish deaths. Villagers from Tottikamp and Santigron reported seeing dead fish floating in the river. The Ministry of Regional Development then contacted other agencies. The NMA was also contacted at the request of Wanica Center District Commissioner Ravi Bhattoe.