I trust you are doing well. I'm Vanessa Pearson, a future biological oceanographer who is presently enrolled in the University of Illinois' college program. Concerned and interested in the effects of illegal cyanide fishing on the long-term survival of the African catfish, I am sending this letter.
Due to the high market demand for fish, dishonest fishers have turned to the aforementioned method of fishing. Many fish are frequently caught when fishing with cyanide. Nonetheless, the ramifications of this mode of fishing are dire and are likely to cause the extinction of the African Catfish, lest drastic and strategic action is done.
This mode of fishing not only inhibits the flow of oxygen leading to hypoxia but also hampers the reproduction and growth of the fish. Exposure to Cyanide often leads to stunted growth in the fish thereby causing a mature African Catfish to appear smaller than it actually should be. In terms of reproduction, the cyanide compound often reduces the number of eggs that the female species can lay and also reduces the viability of the sperms in the male species. Cyanide further affects the fish's habitat and the human beings who consume the fish.
It is my humble appeal that your office will take a look at the points I have raised since the use of cyanide affects the aquatic environment and consequently will lead to the extinction of the African Catfish. I hope you will find concrete measures of dealing with the issue I have raised after deliberating on the matter and conducting relevant investigations.
Kindly act upon the matter as soon as possible since both human and aquatic lives are at stake due to the prevalence of this unethical mode of fishing. In the event that you need any clarification or further information please do not hesitate to contact me at (773) 542-6147. I look forward to working with you to ensure that the issue I have raised is resolved expeditiously.
Sincerely,
Vanessa Pearson,
1065 S Pacific Hwy Unit 13
Woodburn OR 97071-8962
