From the OFFICE of epa victoria

Thursday, 17 January 2008

INVESTIGATIONS UNDERWAY INTO UNHEALTHY BAY FISH

EPA Victoria and the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) are investigating reports of fish with lesions being caught in Hobsons and Port Phillip bays.

EPA executive director regional services Bruce Dawson said several species of fish, including
flathead, blowfish, whiting and trevally bearing the lesions had reportedly been caught across a large area.

Flathead samples have been gathered and are currently with DPI Attwood laboratories for autopsy and analysis.

Department of Human Services advise that as a precautionary measure people should avoid
touching or eating any fish that have lesions, or are lethargic and looking generally unwell.
Mr Dawson said reports indicated the affected fish were being caught in a large area from Port Melbourne through to Werribee South.

“Initial pathology results on the first samples have proven inconclusive, however further results are expected later this week. Water samples show no indication of algal bloom conditions and there is no evidence to suggest algae are a contributing factor.

“EPA investigations to date do not indicate a pollution event is the cause, however we will continue to investigate any possible pollution sources.”

DPI spokesman Peter Appleford said results from the analysis may prove inconclusive, however it was possible it was a naturally occurring event.

“We have seen events like this in the past. In 1984 an extensive investigation was conducted into a fish showing similar lesions, but did not identify a cause. Historically these events have passed and the stocks recovered.

“Port Phillip Bay acts like a large estuary and its waters change to reflect many variables, including rainfall and air temperature. These changes can cause fish to become stressed.
“It is possible that the fish are being stressed by natural environmental variations, and normally benign ‘bugs’ are causing problems.”