‘May be a result of bycatch’: Hundreds of dead fish wash up

A mass fish death across multiple Bowen beaches has alarmed locals, and the finger is being pointed at fishing trawlers spotted in the area. See what the DAF had to say.

Dead fish found on Kings Beach, Bowen, on August 7, 4.45pm. Kings Beach is a popular off-leash dog beach.

Hundreds of dead fish washed up on Bowen’s beaches have alarmed locals, and several are pointing the finger at three fishing trawlers seen in the area.

Pictures shared with the Townsville Bulletin shows hundreds of fish on Kings Beach in a partly decomposed state.

A Department of Agriculture and Fisheries spokesperson says they received reports of the dead fish and believe they are a result of bycatch discarded by commercial trawlers.

“Trawlers are only allowed to catch specific fish species to avoid targeting those caught by other fisheries,” they said.

“While unregulated bycatch can harm certain species, Queensland’s trawl fishery is well-managed and bycatch reduction devices, required by law, also minimise bycatch”.

Dead fish found on Kings Beach, Bowen, on August 7, 4.45pm. Kings Beach is a popular off-leash dog beach.

Bycatch is a term given to animals caught in nets that fishermen don’t want, or aren’t allowed to keep.

This includes animals like dugongs, turtles, dolphins, but goes all the way down to small fish species which would be unprofitable to sell.

Dead fish found on Kings Beach, Bowen, on August 7, 4.45pm. Kings Beach is a popular off-leash dog beach.

It is understood the fish were probably caught in the trawlers nets, but the fishermen threw them back overboard.

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) said they received no reports of the fish deaths through their pollution hotline [phone].

It is understood the DES also believe the dead fish are bycatch.

Originally published as ‘May be a result of bycatch’: Hundreds of dead fish wash up