NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Director Fisheries Conservation and Aquaculture, Bill Talbot, said that dead or dying fish from the affected should not be eaten and fishers should also avoid collecting shellfish from the area.
“Fisheries officers were alerted to the fish kill after a high number of dead and struggling fish were discovered in the shallow water near the boat ramp at Kings Point,” Mr Talbot said.
“NSW DPI is investigating the fish kill, in conjunction with the Office of Environment and Heritage and Shoalhaven City Council.”
“There are no apparent signs of water quality problems, however it is suspected the fish kill may be the result of a toxic algae bloom similar to that experienced at Jervis Bay earlier this year.”
“Fish species affected by the kill include a large range of fish species and size classes including bream, flathead, whiting, mullet and luderick.”
“We encourage people on the NSW South Coast to adopt a common sense approach: Do not eat fish that are dead or dying when you find them or that do not look healthy when caught.”
“Shellfish from the area should also not be collected.”
“Consumption of unhealthy fish may be a health risk due to their poor condition.”
Samples of fish taken yesterday are currently undergoing testing at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute in Camden. Water quality samples have also been submitted for analysis. Results will be made public as soon as the findings are available.
NSW DPI will continue to work closely with the relevant agencies, using all available resources to respond to this fish kill.
Any further fish kills should be reported to NSW DPI’s 24 hour hot line 1800 043 536.
Health Warnings Over NSW Fish Kill
AUSTRALIA The New South Wales (NSW) government has announced a warning to residents and visitors on the states south coast that they should avoid fishing or collecting dead or dying fish in Burrill Lake, following a report of a large fish kill near the boat ramp at Kings Point.
