Fisheries investigates mystery spots on fish at Borumba Dam

Biosecurity Queensland is helping with an investigation into sick, sluggish and marked fish at Borumba Dam after several were caught with large orange-red splotches on their skin, raising concerns.

Authorities are investigating fish near Borumba Dam following a fisher’s “horrid” and “alarming” discovery of schools of sick fish while kayaking near the popular tourist spot.

Kerri Saint was fishing from her kayak at a causeway below the dam wall on Wednesday, July 17 when she made the concerning find.

Speaking on Friday, she said there were “schools” of fish affected by the “yucky” yellowish-orange marks on their bodies.

“All the fish I saw out there, there wasn’t a fish that wasn’t affected,” Ms Saint said.

”I could see schools … just all covered in this stuff.”

She said the fish were keeping close to the surface and appeared to be struggling and sluggish.

“It’s just horrid, it was quite alarming,” Ms Saint said.

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Authorities are investigating fish near Borumba Dam after Kerri Saint (pictured) found dozens with large yellow-orange splotches and marks on their skin swimming in the water.

“You don’t see fish that close. You will see a movement in the water but you will not see a fish swimming close to the surface.

“They wouldn’t touch any bait whatsoever, even if it was sitting in front of their nose.”

She said it looked like they were “swimming in circles, aimlessly”.

“It’s like they had no ability … to know which direction they were going in.

“It was really sad to see.”

Ms Saint immediately posted pictures of the on social media, asking if “anybody know(s) what is wrong with these fish”.

“Everyone I spotted down from the dam were like this,” she said in the post.

Kerri Saint said it looked like the affected fish were “swimming in circles, aimlessly” and “like they had no ability … to know which direction they were going in”.

“Some were even far worse.

“They were swimming close to the surface and used my net to catch them.”

Another poster under Ms Saint’s comment said there had been a “number of floating lungfish found, too”.

A Department of Fisheries spokeswoman said on Thursday they had reviewed the photos, and while investigations were underway it was too early to identify the problem.

“There are a number of conditions that could be occurring,” the spokeswoman said.

“To confirm the cause, samples will need to be sent for laboratory testing.

“Biosecurity Queensland is assisting with advice on collection of samples and dispatch to an appropriate laboratory.”

Ms Saint said some advice pointed to it being a fungal problem which can affect stressed fish, especially in winter.

She said there was work on several roads up near the dam, but it was impossible to say if it had any connection to what was ailing the fish.