NSW GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO LAKE MENINDEE FISH DEATHS

EPA

Agencies across the NSW Government are continuing to work closely with the Barkandji Rangers and the Central Darling Shire Council to finalise clean-up operations following a fish death event at Lake Menindee involving hundreds of thousands of fish, primarily Bony Herring (also referred to as Bony Bream) and Carp. 

Throughout the summer, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Fisheries, and the Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water (DCCEEW) have been monitoring conditions in Lake Menindee and the Lower Darling Baaka River at Menindee. 

Reports of dead fish at Lake Menindee were received late on Monday 2 February. No cause has been determined, but recent extreme temperatures, including heat and the recent cool change are likely to have had an influence on water conditions in the lake as water levels have receded.  

Bony Herring is an important totemic native fish species for the Barkandji community and can breed in large numbers in suitable conditions but are susceptible to sudden changes in water and air temperature.   

The EPA is supporting Barkandji Rangers and the council as they continue the clean-up. 

Due to the difficulty in accessing the site with heavy machinery, the clean-up has mostly been done by hand. However, a specialist contractor has been assisting today.  

Dead fish on the shoreline closest to residents at Sunset Strip have now been removed and it is expected the bulk of the clean-up outside the residential area will be completed today, 

We recognise fish deaths are distressing for the community, and we’ve worked hard to prevent these occurrences, but unlike the weir pool at Menindee there are no flow options available in the lake to help water quality. 

Dissolved oxygen in the Menindee town weir pool is currently within the normal range of tolerance for native fish, and agencies are continuing to closely monitor the situation here. There is no risk to town water quality.  

Community members are encouraged to report any fish deaths to the Fishers Watch hotline on 1800 043 536. For more information on fish kills please visit: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/habitat/threats/fish-kills.  

EPA MEDIA | DANIELLE WILLIAMS | 0448 196 606

24-hour Media Line (02) 9995 6415 [email protected]