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13 March, 2003
Fraser Island fish kills being investigated
Two recent fish kills at Fraser Island are being investigated to determine what caused the death of about 400,000 small threadfin leatherjackets.
The first fish kill, reported on Monday, March 3, resulted in fish washing up along the entire east coast of Fraser Island.
The second incident was reported on Sunday, March 9 and mainly centred around the island’s north-east beaches.
The Department of Primary Industries Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are working together to determine the cause of the fish kills.
QFS principal scientist John Beumer said Queensland Parks and Wildlife officers on Fraser Island had collected fish samples that had been sent to DPI research facilities at Yeerongpilly and Townsville for examination.
Samples have also been sent for analysis to the National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology, Brisbane.
Dr Beumer said the results to date showed no specific reason for the fish kills but more tests were being carried out.
“At this stage there is no suggestion that human activity is responsible,” he said.
“A possible cause could be the presence of biotoxins in the environment. Toxic algae produce biotoxins which may poison fish but this is only speculative and we really have no firm evidence as yet.”
Dr Beumer said the recent fish kills were unusual as only a single species of fish was affected.
He said fish kills caused by poor water quality, pesticide run off and similar activities were generally characterised by a wide range of species being affected.
“The species of leatherjacket that died in this kill was also involved in another major fish kill on Fraser Island in 1998,” Dr Beumer said.
“However, no specific cause was identified as being responsible for that incident either.”
Following the results of the tests, QFS and EPA officers will meet to discuss the findings and a further course of action.
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Further information: John Beumer (07) 3224 2238
Media Officer: Liz Smith Ph: +61 7 3224 7757
Department of Primary Industries Media Unit
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Qld 4001. Fax +61 7 3239 0860
DPI Call Centre 8am-6pm weekdays on local call 13 25 23
