FISH KILL ALERT – 4 October 2022
Investigation into fish kill at Myalup
Investigations have occurred into a fish kill at Myalup Beach and the Harvey Diversion Drain north of Bunbury on Friday 30 September.
About 200 dead fish including sea mullet and black bream were reported and photographed by members of the public who reported through to FishWatch.
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation officers attended the location to gather information and assess the extent of the fish kill. The event appears to have ended but further enquiries are continuing.
If additional information becomes available, there will be further updates. 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;
- temporarily not to collect or consume fish from the waters near a fish kill;
- not to collect and use dead fish for bait or consumption because of the risk of high levels of bacteria; and
- not to allow pets and other animals to come into contact with dead or decomposing fish either in the water or on shore.
Department officers have been trained to collect fish and water samples using appropriate safety equipment and methods. The best way the public can help is by reporting fish kills to
FISHWATCH on 1800 815 507. This is a 24/7 reporting service. Tell us where and what you saw, including numbers of dead fish and, if possible, the species affected. GPS coordinates and/or photographs can also assist DPIRD’s investigation.
Fish kills in open ocean areas may provide less evidence of a direct cause and we explore all possible explanations. It may not be possible to identify a single definitive cause.
More information about fish kills can be found on the DPIRD website at www.fish.wa.gov.au.
Media Contact: DPIRD Media (08) 9368 3937