Mackay marina health inspected after concerning spate of bird deaths
Investigations into the dead birds at the Mackay marina continue as pollution locations have been ruled out.
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More black noddies have been found dead on their native home as part of investigations into what caused about 100 of the birds to die at Mackay Marina this week.
The Department of Environment and Science has determined there was no pollution in the marina, and is now investigating the pollution levels off the coast of Mackay, with Bushy Island the main site of inspections.
A known roosting site for black noddies, more than 140 dead birds were found on Thursday on the island during the DES investigations.
DES officers removed more than 240 dead birds from the Mackay Marina, with the department waiting for laboratory testing results before the cause could be determined.
A helicopter survey was done on Thursday between Bailey, Derwent, Penrith, Bush, Scawfell, St Bees and Keswick islands, but no obvious pollution event or slick was found in the area.
Further helicopter surveillance was scheduled for Friday between Bushy Island and Cape Upstart.
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The mysterious deaths of a flock of birds that took shelter on a fishing vessel during recent bad weather is being investigated.
Several black noddies were found dead at the marina boat ramp and more seriously unwell in a concerning find that has prompted the Department of Environment and Science to investigate.
About 600 birds sought shelter on the boat as it passed Penrith Island, about 72km off the coast of Mackay and docked at the marina earlier this week.
The birds took refuge on the rock wall near the boat ramp once the ship reached the marina.
A Department of Environment and Science spokeswoman said some of the birds were showing signs of pollution.
The exact number of deceased and unwell birds could not be confirmed.
DES officers took water samples for laboratory testing, as well as a number of live and deceased birds for assessment at a local vet.
Wildlife officers inspected the marina on Wednesday, finding about 50 black noddies remaining in the area.
The remaining birds at the marina had varying health levels.
DES and wildlife officials will continue to inspect elements of the marina and the surrounding coastlines as more assessments are completed on the remaining birds.
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