DPIRD Media - Fish Kill alert update
29 October 2021
Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) have concluded investigations into a fish kill at Goode Beach and Frenchman Bay Beach near Albany last month.
Samples collected by the City of Albany were analysed by DPIRD with no evidence found to suggest an infectious or toxic cause of death.
Enquiries indicate this event was quite a rare occurrence and may have related to commercial fishing activity.
While this is the last update relating to this fish kill, we again remind people to stay safe around fish kills by following the general Department of Health advice. More information on
fish kills can be found on DPIRD’s Fisheries website at
www.fish.wa.gov.au.
FISH KILL alert - 15 September 2021
Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development are responding to reports of a fish kill at Goode Beach and Frenchman Bay Beach near Albany.
Up to 100 fish, including white-barred boxfish, globefish and toadfish, have washed up and/or were floating in the area yesterday with a much smaller number reported today.
Pet owners are advised to take care as some of these fish are thought to be poisonous to dogs.
Updates will be issued when further information is available. In the meantime, people are reminded to stay safe around fish kills.
We urge people to follow the general Department of Health advice:
- not to swim in areas of water with large numbers of dead and decomposing fish because they may contain high levels of bacteria and have an objectionable odour;
- not to fish in water with large numbers of dead fish;
- not to handle, collect, relocate or use dead fish for bait or consumption because of the risk of high levels of bacteria, and the potential for infection through handling or ingestion; and
- not to allow pets and other animals to come into contact with dead or decomposing fish either in the water or on shore.
Anyone who has handled dead or dying fish and experiences any inflammation on their hands around any cuts or abrasions should see a doctor.
Fish kills should be reported to our
FishWatch 24-hour service on
1800 815 507.More information on fish kills can be found on the Fisheries website at www.fish.wa.gov.au.