29 Jan 2019
A major clean-up is underway following further deaths of hundreds of thousands of fish in the Menindee weir pool and neighbouring sections along the Darling River.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries officers have inspected the river again today and reported further native fish have been found dead, following the adverse weather conditions over the long weekend.
The majority of the fish were Bony Herring.
Contractors engaged by Central Darling Shire Council removed up to 700kg of deceased fish adjacent to Menindee township yesterday, with similar expectations for today.
A change in wind conditions forecast for tomorrow may allow the use of additional techniques to remove greater amounts of dead fish.
In recent weeks six aerators have been installed along parts of the Darling River, which are providing localised oxygenated water to help fish survive in these extreme conditions.
The persistent hot and dry conditions are likely to pose ongoing threats to native fish over the remainder of the summer.
DPI is also investigating reports of a fish kill near Redbank weir on the Murrumbidgee River and officers from DPI Fisheries are on route to inspect the location.
Community members are encouraged to report fish deaths to the Fishers Watch hotline on 1800 043 536.
