Gladstone Area Water Board warns anglers to remain vigilant as dead fish found in Lake Awoonga with seasonal fungal infection

A shock discovery has prompted the Gladstone region’s peak water authority to issue a community safety warning. Here’s what the authority says about the impact to drinking water quality and supply.

Infected, dead fish surfacing in Gladstone’s main water supply have been attributed to adverse weather and seasonal change, according to the region’s peak water authority.

Following reports of deceased fish, mostly barramundi, observed with signs of a seasonal fungal infection at Gladstone’s Lake Awoonga, anglers and recreational fishers have been urged to remain vigilant and document any dead fish sightings.

Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) this week notified residents of the sightings and advised Lake Awoonga users not to handle any dead or decomposing fish due to the risk of injury and potential infection.

The Board maintains there is no risk to Awoonga Dam’s drinking water quality or supply.

The Lake Awoonga catchment area covers more than 2,000km2 and feeds into Awoonga Dam. Picture: Supplied

Board CEO Darren Barlow said this type of fungal infection was likely due to adverse weather conditions and naturally occurring seasonal changes.

“Conditions such as unseasonal winter rain, prolonged strong westerly winds and limited access to warm water bays due to current lake levels can all impact fish health,” Mr Barlow said.

“Don’t be alarmed if you find a sick or dead fish - this event is rare and similar events have occurred at Lake Awoonga and many other impoundments in the past.”

GAWB chief executive officer Darren Barlow told people not to be alarmed but to report any dead fish sightings to the Board. Picture: Gladstone Observer

“At this stage, we believe this is an isolated situation and the conditions for a widespread event do not appear to be forming, this is simply a pre-emptive notification of the possible risk to reduce community concern,” he said.

Mr Barlow said GAWB staff would continue to monitor the lake daily and people were urged to report any sightings.

Lake Awoonga, 30km south of Gladstone, was formed on the Boyne River by the Awoonga Dam and is the main water supply for the Gladstone region.

The Gladstone Area Water Board often releases barramundi fingerlings into Lake Awoonga.

The Gladstone Area Water Board can be contacted on [phone] or via [e-mail]