Flooding results in Richmond River fish kills
The worst fears of local authorities have been realised, with fish kills evident along the banks of the Richmond River following the recent flooding.
A decrease in oxygen levels is responsible for the kills, which bring back memories of 2001 when flooding and the ensuing fish kills resulted in the Richmond River being closed to fishing for more than six months.
The relevant authorities are now considering whether a similar river closure will have to be enforced.
Ballina Shire Council acted quickly on the fish kill, issuing this statement today: “To all residents who live adjacent to the Richmond River, Ballina, downstream from the Burns Point Ferry, and who are affected by the fish kill, Council staff are currently collecting dead fish from the beaches and river foreshores.
“Residents who are assisting by collecting the dead fish are asked to place them in plastic bags on the footpath and these will be collected twice a day.
“Please call Council on 6686 1411, and advise of your address for collection.
“Please do not place the dead fish in your garbage bins as these bins will not be collected until your regular collection day and the fish are to be disposed of separately.”
February 9th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
I believe that the grazing industry is the major contributing factor in the
decline of our river systems and FISH KILLS. Test this hypothesis by trying to
keep fish in a controlled pond with the same levels of soil that is found after
flooding in the areas where fish kills occurred.It is time for graziers to fence stock out of our increasingly precious waterways