Experts stark warning Byron/Ballina region fish kill could take years to recover
Experts monitoring water quality on the North Coast following a mass fish kill in the wake of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred have offered a grim outlook as tests continue.
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A fish habitat restoration group has issued a stark warning about the ongoing blackwater event in NSW in the wake of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of fish.
OzFish has warned that the consequences of these mass deaths will impact both recreational and commercial fisheries for years.
The blackwater fish kills were first reported in the Richmond River and have since spread to the Clarence and Macleay Rivers.
These events are linked to blackwater run-off, with the Tuckean Swamp in the lower Richmond River identified as a significant contributor.
The impact on fish stocks and the broader ecosystem has been profound, affecting everything from the smallest organisms to the largest breeding fish.
OzFish CEO Cassie Price expressed concern over the large numbers of dead baby fish, or fingerlings.
“These are the babies born since the last flood decimated populations in 2022, and we know that these fish populations will never recover if they keep getting hit like this,” Ms Price said.
The presence of affected eels and mud crabs, typically resilient species, indicates the severity of the event.
“These guys are resilient and can usually endure a range of severe water conditions. If they are struggling, we believe it is unlikely that other species will survive,” said Ms. Price.
OzFish continues to monitor the situation, regularly testing water oxygen levels, which remain below healthy thresholds.
The organization is also gathering public feedback on the fish kill and changes in catch, having received over 50 reports with photos and documentation.
“It’s eerie, a river with no life left in it,” Ms Price said.
“It’s eerie, a river with no life left in it,” Ms Price said.
In a statement, Lismore City Council confirmed their East and South Lismore sewage treatment plants, damaged in the February 2022 natural disaster, were repaired to meet the discharge licences set out by Environmental Protection Authority in December 2022.
“As part of the license, the Council must test effluent quality for nutrients, suspended solids, and microbial load every week,” a council spokesman said
“Approximately 52 tests are conducted annually for each plant by a suitably qualified third-party laboratory.”
EPA licence details and sample test results are publicly available on Lismore City Council’s website.
“Responsibility for the collection and disposal of debris from waterways across the state falls upon the NSW Environment Protection Authority,” the spokesman said.
FAQ
What caused the mass fish death in Ballina?
Hypoxic blackwater and blackwater run-off has been linked to the cause.
When there is a lot of organic material washed into the river, its rapid decay can consume dissolved oxygen from the water. If dissolved oxygen drops to very low levels, this can cause ‘hypoxic’ water which can be stressful for native fish and can lead to fish kills.
Does this usually happen after cyclones?
Yes. Fish kills can occur at any time although data indicates fish kills are more likely to occur in summer or following sudden changes in temperature.
What is the water quality like now?
OzFish are regularly testing water, at time of publication oxygen levels in the water were still below healthy levels of 5mg of oxygen per litre.
How to dispose of dead fish?
Council kerbside collection.
Residents are encouraged to place dead fish in tied plastic bags and inform the council of their location for collection.
Drop off at Ballina Resource Recovery Centre
March 24: The tourist hub of Ballina on the northern New South Wales coast is grappling with the overwhelming stench of significant fish deaths following ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Ballina Shire Council has attributed the pungent problem to recent floods caused by the cyclone, which have severely affected water quality in the Richmond River and nearby waterways.
In a statement, council advised against swimming or participating in water activities at local beaches or in the river until conditions improve.
The council explained that low oxygen levels in the river led to fish deaths in several areas, including West Ballina canals, Ballina riverbanks, Gawandii Beach, and Shaws Bay.
Decomposing plants and other materials in the floodwater are also contributing to the strong odours permeating the area.
The sudden mass mortality of fish has been alarming, with thousands of fish gasping for air or washing up already dead.
OzFish CEO Cassie Price identified “blackwater” as the likely cause. Blackwater occurs when flooding washes organic material into waterways, stripping oxygen from the water as it decomposes, suffocating fish and other aquatic wildlife.
Reports have even emerged of mud crabs and eels leaving the water to escape the suffocating conditions.
Residents have described the stench as “rank,” “disgusting,” and “incredible,” with some planning to test their drinking and bath water for contamination.
Peter Kerkenezov, a Ballina resident, expressed deep concern over the river’s declining health, blaming the council and government for the slow degradation due to factors such as raw sewage, herbicides, pesticides, acid sulfate soils, destruction of flood plains, and water damming infrastructure.
He described the current situation as the worst ecological disaster the area has faced.
“The river has never smelled so bad from decaying organic matter.”
In response, Ballina Shire Council, Rous County Council, and OzFish are closely monitoring water quality.
The council has initiated efforts to clean up dead fish and is offering kerbside collection and free drop-off at the Ballina Resource Recovery Centre.
Residents are encouraged to place dead fish in tied plastic bags and inform the council of their location for collection.
“We would advise people to wear PPE when collecting dead fish. The water quality is very poor so PPE and careful hand washing after is very important. Also, many of the fish have sharp spikes which can pierce skin causing pain and risking infection,” a Ballina council spokesman said.
He said there will be a huge loss of fish numbers and diversity in species with though some fish can escape from the river ahead of the poor water quality and they can re-enter the river quickly once the water quality improves.
“Despite this, overall numbers will be depleted, and the loss of large breeding animals could impact the area for some time,” council said.
Council said they have a Healthy Waterways Program and Strategy working to improve the health of our waterways, yet, for a large event like this, catchment wide solutions are required and cooperation from all levels of government will be required as solutions are difficult and expensive to implement.
Ms Price emphasised the importance of restoring local swamplands bordering the Richmond River to mitigate future blackwater events and fish kills.
“Healthy swamp bordering rivers acts as a sieve, or a filter, that reduces the blackwater from entering the waterway,” she said.
Originally published as ‘Disgusting’: Decaying, dead fish stench engulfs coastal tourist town
Got a news tip? Email catherine.piltz@news.com.au
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