RESIDENTS and visitors to Burrill Lake on the NSW South Coast are being warned against fishing or collecting dead fish following a report of a large fish kill near the boat ramp at Kings Point.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Director Fisheries Conservation and
Aquaculture, Bill Talbot, said that dead or dying fish from the affected area should not be eaten and the collection of shellfish should be avoided.
“Fisheries officers were alerted to the fish kill yesterday after a high number of dead and
struggling fish were discovered in the shallow water near the boat ramp at Kings Point,” Talbot said.
“NSW DPI is investigating the fish kill, in conjunction with the Office of Environment and
Heritage and Shoalhaven City Council.
“There are no apparent signs of water quality problems, however, it is suspected the fish
kill may be the result of a toxic algae bloom similar to that experienced at Jervis Bay earlier this year, ” he said.
Fish species affected include bream, flathead, whiting, mullet and luderick.
Samples of fish are currently undergoing testing and water quality samples have been
submitted for analysis. Results will be made public as soon as the findings are available.
Any further fish kills should be reported to NSW DPI’s 24 hour hot line 1800 043 536.
