Last week local fishermen encountered a fish kill at the Macintyre River. Dozens of dead cod fish floated on the water creating an eerie sight. Experts investigated the area, trying to understand the reason for the fish kill at the 500-metre strip of the Macintyre River on Thursday, February 21.
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A spokesman for the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) told the Inverell Times that several species were affected including freshwater catfish, Murray cod and golden perch. DPI Fisheries officers are continuing to monitor the river. Inverell Shire Council and the NSW Environment Protection Authority have been notified of the incident. “Monitoring is continuing however at this stage it appears, this incident occurred due to decreased dissolved oxygen levels, as a result of recent very low water flows in the Macintyre River coupled with a localised rainfall event,” said a spokesman for the Department of Primary Industries. Unfortunately, the recent rain has not been enough to create the flow required to fix the situation.
The fish kill coincides with an outbreak of algae at the Macintyre River at Lake Inverell that prompted Water NSW to issue a red level (high alert) warning for blue-green algae. The red level warning means that people should not undertake recreational activities where they may come into direct contact with the water, such as swimming as well as domestic uses included showering and washing. Contact with the water may also pose a threat to livestock and pets.
Livestock owners are reminded to continue to check stock water supplies and remove stock from foreshores where surface scum is visible. Blue-green algae usually appear as green paint-like scum on the water, near the edges or as greenish clumps throughout the water.It makes the water appear dirty, green or discoloured and explains the musty, earthy odour noted in some areas near the Macintyre River of late.
“It is important for people to err on the side of caution when dealing with water in the area,” says Tony Webber from Water NSW. “Fishermen should make sure they wash the fish in clean uncontaminated water, including the innards.”
People should not eat mussels or crayfish from contaminated areas. The species of blue-green algae identified are potentially toxic and may cause gastroenteritis in humans if consumed and skin and eye irritation after contact. Boiling the water does not remove algal toxins. Town water supplies remain unaffected and safe to drink. However, people are advised not to bathe in water drawn from the dam while the red alert is in place and are also advised not to drink untreated water.
“The appearance of algae is a naturally occurring phenomenon driven by dry and hot weather conditions,” Webber said, and it appears when there is slow-flowing water, abundant sunlight and sufficient levels of nutrients. It is not possible to predict how long the algae will remain at high levels. Regular monitoring will continue. People who believe they may have been affected by blue-green algae are advised to seek medical advice.
For more information about blue-green algae and red level warning areas, call the Algal Information Hotline on 1800 999 457 or visit – www.water.nsw.gov.au
