30 Jan 2019
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries researchers have reported no further escalation of fish deaths in the Menindee weir pool and neighbouring sections along the Darling Riversince Monday 28 January.
More than three tonnes of dead fish have been removed in the clean-up by contractors working for Central Darling Shire Council.
The majority of the fish which have been found dead were Bony Herring. In addition, approximately 1,000 adult Golden Perch have been removed. Silver Perch and some non-native carp were also killed.
Fish deaths are not unusual in summer, however DPI’s Interim Fish Deaths report, found that both fish kills which occurred on December 15, 2018 and January 6, 2019 of the Lower Darling River were likely to have been caused by several factors resulting in low dissolved oxygen levels in the river.
DPI Fisheries officers are also investigating further fish deaths:
The Murrumbidgee River
Lake Keepit
Lake Inverell
Hot and dry conditions are likely to pose ongoing threats to native fish over the remainder of the summer.
Community members are encouraged to report fish deaths to the Fishers Watch hotline on 1800 043 536.
Media contact: Lyndall Hilder 6391 3686