A high level of pollution has made the Kingston Harbour unsafe for swimming or even contact with human skin.

That’s according to Marine Biologist and Ecologist Professor Mona Webber, who says the problem is the result of eutrophication.

Professor Webber notes that the problem is made worse by waste contained in the run-off from nineteen gullies and two rivers.

And, the marine biologist /ecologist said there are more than a thousand animal species in the Kingston Harbour, including one that is used to make drugs that treat tumours.

Professor Mona Webber noted that the Kingston Harbour holds a third of the marine species that exist in Jamaica, many of which are indigenous to the area.

Professor Webber said one of the species found in the Kingston Harbour has been synthesized to make medicine for treating tumours.

She was speaking at the Grace Kennedy annual lecture on a clean Kingston Harbour held in Kingston on Wednesday.