FQ Direct info 25th November 2011

[Lucky_Phill]

Fisheries Queensland continues to sample and test a range of fish species to assess the status of fish health in Gladstone. The vast majority of barramundi submitted so far had the parasitic flatworm, which does occur in Queensland. A range of other fish species are also being tested. See the results.



Seafood in local retail outlets continues to be safe to eat, as it must meet national standards for suitability and food safety. But remember, if you do catch seafood that shows signs of damage, deterioration or disease, don’t keep or eat it.


The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) is also continuing to carry out monthly testing of waters in and around Port Curtis including analysis for dissolved metals. These reports are published on the DERM website following a peer review process.


Latest test results have shown no clear link between dredging in Port Curtis harbour and dissolved metals that can impact fish and other aquatic life if found at high levels. While three metals were found to have exceeded national guideline levels, these exceedances would pose minimal risk to marine organisms at the levels measured according to the guidelines.

[Lucky_Phill]

Fish sampling schedule for Gladstone

(as of 19 October 2011)
Fisheries Queensland is continuing to assess the fish health, particularly barramundi, in the Gladstone region.
The sampling over coming weeks will be collecting information from a number of sites in the following four areas:

1. tidal reaches of Boyne River (noted sites of highest lesion/eye and skin parasite infection)
2. tidal reaches of Calliope River
3. sites around Hamilton Point as previously sampled
4. a site outside the Gladstone Harbour.

The sampling this week (from 19 October 2011) will focus on fish caught in the Boyne River, which will provide:

1. a datum on the prevalence of the parasites, lesions and eye conditions in the Boyne River for barramundi
2. samples from other fish species showing illness for further laboratory examination
3. the level of infestation of parasite flukes (Neobenedenia) to establish if there is a correlation with the degree of redness/rash.

This sampling will also provide additional biological barramundi samples for laboratory examination.


more in the " results link ".


LP