Brisbane River: Dead fish spotted on banks at Milton, West End, Kangaroo Point and Indooroopilly

Hundreds of dead fish and crustaceans have cropped up around the edge of the Brisbane River, with a fish expert warning the chances of it being caused by a toxic spill are “more than likely” despite government officials claiming something else is to blame.

Hundreds of dead fish and crustaceans cropped up around the edge of the Brisbane River on Thursday morning with fish experts warning a toxic spill could be to blame.

University of Queensland associate professor Ian Tibbetts said despite freshwater spilling into the river following Tuesday’s deluge, the species of fish found dead were known to be more tolerant.

“It is not directly to do with freshwater in the river despite the flooding around early this week, despite what many people may think,” Mr Tibbetts said.

“All fish reported like mullet, bream, catfish and even some mud crabs are known for being quite freshwater resilient so it is not the only reason for them popping up.”

Dead fish on the bank of the Brisbane River at Kangaroo Point. Picture: Liam Kidston

The fish were spotted by passers-by and residents on Thursday morning around West End and Milton, lodged between rocks and in the water.

Mr Tibbetts said he had reported the incident to Queensland Health as well as the Pollution Hotline to no avail.

“The chances of it being a localised spill or some sort of toxic event in the area are more than likely,” he said.

Dead fish were found on the bank of the Brisbane River at West End, Milton and Kangaroo Point. Picture: Liam Kidston

Greens Brisbane Mayor candidate Jonathan Sriranganathan took to social media to document the mass fish graveyard.

“This is the water along the river in Milton, as you can probably see here there are quite a few dead fish in the water,” he said in the video.

“The water also has this oily rainbow sheen; the amount of oil and the number of dead fish I think is quite disturbing.

“We have built up so much of the Brisbane catchment their has been so much development, the developers built right up the property boundaries they don’t leave any room for trees or green space and that means when heavy rain hits the city, 100 per cent of that water washes straight into creeks and the river.”

Flies are having a field day with the dead fish. Picture: Liam Kidston

The dead fish have been reported at multiple locations. Picture: Liam Kidston

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation confirmed they are investigating reports of dead fish and crustaceans in the Brisbane River and on the riverbanks.

“Officers have conducted site inspections, with dead fish being observed at Indooroopilly, Kangaroo Point and West End,” a spokesperson said.

“The department has been unable to identify the cause of the fish deaths, but they may have died due to low dissolved oxygen levels following recent heavy rain, which has most likely washed organic matter into the river.”

The investigation remains ongoing.