[ 22/12/2008 ]
22 December 2008
The Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources is asking people to use the new 1800 453 941 MarineWildWatch number when reporting fish deaths in Territory waterways this wet season.
Fish deaths mainly occur at the beginning of the wet season, when higher temperatures and low levels of oxygen occur in the water, Senior Fisheries Scientist, Dr Mark Grubert said.
“The first rains of the wet season flush large amounts of vegetation into billabongs and water courses, as this vegetation rots it removes oxygen from the water and fish can suffocate and die,” Dr Grubert said.
“These are natural events and fish deaths are commonly witnessed in the Mary River system, including Corroboree billabong.
“The species likely to be affected by low oxygen levels include barramundi, catfish, bony bream, saratoga and rainbow fish.
“Quick and accurate reporting of fish death locations gives our research team the best chance to investigate and determine if the event is natural or caused by other factors.
“We encourage people to call the 1800 453 941 MarineWildWatch number to report any fish deaths,” Dr Grubert said.