Massive fish kill in WA

More than 700 fish of many different species and including trophy-sized snapper have washed up dead in Cockburn Sound at the mouth of the Swan River, between Fremantle and Rockingham, WA, a popular fishing spot frequented by in excess of 12,000 boaters each year.

Due to the fact there are multiple species affected by the event, Fisheries Biosecurity research scientist Michael Snow has said that pollution could not be ruled out as the cause.

The Department of Fisheries has advised that a member of the public first reported evidence of a fish kill event to FishWatch on November 19 at 6:48am.

In its latest update November 23, rec-fishing body Recfishwest, which represent 740,000 WA anglers, said it was committed to keeping the fishing community up to date about the mystery deaths of fish in Cockburn Sound over the last few days.

Recfishwest CEO Andrew Rowland said he was "deeply concerned" by the dead fish.

"It's extremely, extremely concerning as Cockburn Sound is an important pink snapper nursery area and breeding ground," he told the Fairfax press.

"We are deeply concerned that our important recreational pink snapper stocks that aggregate in Cockburn Sound to spawn at this time of year may have been significantly affected.

"I went out over the sound over the weekend and found 40-50 big pink snapper washed up on the beach over there.

"At this stage we are not sure what killed the fish but given it's across a large range of species, it doesn't suggest a disease."

Dr Rowland said Fisheries needed to get to the bottom of what killed the fish as soon as possible.

Recfishwest has provided the Fish Health Unit at the Department of Fisheries with fresh fish samples which are currently being tested for histological, bacteriological and toxicological irregularities.

These samples add to fish and water samples collected by the Department of Fisheries since Friday.

Dr Rowland said he currently doesn’t have any further information on what may have caused this fish kill event. 

"Annual stock surveys early next year should help determine the extent of the fish kill impact.

"The recreational fishing community advocated for greater protection of Pink Snapper spawning aggregations over many years. Fishers have a strong sense of stewardship over this waterway, these are the community’s fish and the magnitude of community concern is extreme.

The fishing community are the eyes on the water and have played a crucial role in identifying this latest fish kill and should be applauded for their repeated calls to the FISHWATCH hotline. If you have any further information regarding fish kills, call FISHWATCH on 1800 815 507.

WA Fisheries say they are investigating. Fisheries and Marine Officers have been responding to reports of fish deaths around Cockburn Sound since Thursday to assess the extent of recent fish kills in the area.

They have been checking reports from members of the public about fish kills in a number of locations and preparing for work by our Fish Health Unit researchers to assess the potential cause.

On Saturday, officers conducted a survey of Garden Island. They counted approximately 600 dead fish that were present between the Causeway at the island end and Careening Bay.

Fisheries Warning
>> Swim in areas of water with large numbers of dead and decomposing fish because they may contain high levels of bacteria and have an objectionable odour.
>>> Not to fish in water with large numbers of dead fish or collect or consume fish from Cockburn Sound.
>> Not to collect and use dead fish for bait or consumption because of the risk of high levels of bacteria;
>>> And do not allow pets and other animals to come into contact with dead or decomposing fish either in the water or on shore.

Following this developing story at Recfishwest's website and social media pages.