A spill in Hawaiian waters is killing hundreds of fish-but it does not pose long-term danger.
However it does attract sharks.
A leak was discovered on Tuesday, September 10, from a pipeline used to deliver molasses onto ships under operation of Matson Navigation Company. A cloud of sticky, sweet brown liquid was seen engulfing the waters of Honolulu Harbor and of Keehi Lagoon, killing hundreds of fish by Thursday, requiring the Department of Health to up its cleanup efforts. They have since added three more boats to the mission, expecting to remove thousands more. Molasses, which is developed by refining sugarcane, might also cause growth spurts in marine algae and other harmful bacteria, which could be dangerous especially if the infected carcasses of fish wash ashore and are consumed by opportunistic passersby. No reports of other life forms being threatened by the spill have surfaced.
While the 1,400 ton leak has no known direct threat to the public, the death of thousands of fish is causing an increase of predatory species in the area. Sharks, eels, and schools of barracuda now have the perfect excuse to wander near shallow waters, to feast of thousands of unmoving fish. The Department of Health has posted signs on beaches that warned swimmers, surfers, snorkelers and divers alike to stay out of the water for the time being. People have also been warned to not haul in and eat any kind of dead fish pulled ashore.
With molasses being a product of sugar, it is sure to melt away in the ocean on its own. The molasses cloud in the water will be expected to remain in the sea for a few more weeks, and the ocean will do the cleanup on its own, relying on tides and currents to wash away the leak.
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