An investigation is underway into a fish kill event in Belongil Creek earlier this month.
On November 13 a local resident noticed 30 to 40 dead mullet washed up and floating near the shore of the creek between the rail bridge and the car bridge.
The resident contacted Byron Council who investigated the matter.
Council’s Coast, Biodiversity and Sustainability Coordinator, Chloe Dowsett, confirmed that the fish fill had taken place.
‘We’ve notified NSW DPI Fisheries, the agency that formally investigates fish kills, and an investigation is ongoing,’ Ms Dowsett said.
NSW DPI Fisheries recently issued a reminder to communities to watch out for the impacts of extreme climate shifts on local fish populations.
NSW DPI Fisheries Deputy Director General Sean Sloan said native fish had been put through the wringer over the past few years, with drought, bushfires and floods.
‘We want people in our river communities to be alert for fish deaths in the coming days and weeks due to significant rainfall across most of the state,’ Mr Sloan said.
‘This has resulted in extensive inundation of floodplain areas, with associated impacts on water quality causing risks for fish.
‘These flood events can wash a lot of organic matter into the river, such as grasses, leaves and fallen vegetation. The rapid breakdown of this material can strip oxygen from the water.
‘If dissolved oxygen drops to very low levels, this can cause ‘hypoxic blackwater’, which can be stressful for native fish, especially over long periods, and can lead to fish deaths.
‘Water temperatures in the rivers are also increasing due to the hot weather, speeding up the whole process and increasing the likelihood of low oxygen levels.’
Community members are encouraged to report any fish deaths or observations through the Fishers Watch Phone line on 1800 043 536.
For more information on fish deaths, visit the NSW DPI website.
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