New Fish Kill Event Devastates Lake Menindee Amid Extreme Weather Swings

A significant fish kill event occurred at Sunset Strip, located on the bank of Lake Menindee in far west New South Wales. Residents observed tens of thousands of dead fish, predominantly native bony bream and some carp, along the river banks on Monday afternoon. This incident followed a period of extreme heat and a subsequent rapid drop in temperature. This event follows a previous mass fish kill less than three years prior, which affected tens of millions of native species in the nearby Darling River.

Residents observed tens of thousands of dead fish, predominantly native bony bream and some carp, along the river banks on Monday afternoon.

Observations and Potential Factors

Darren Clifton, a local resident, reported observing thousands of dead bony bream on Monday afternoon. Mr. Clifton, formerly of the Darling River Action Group, suggested that a heatwave, during which temperatures reached nearly 50 degrees Celsius, might have contributed to the event. He also noted that parts of Lake Menindee are under red alerts for blue-green algae.

Response and Cleanup Efforts

The Barkandji River Rangers, responsible for monitoring the Menindee Lakes, had previously removed hundreds of dead carp from the Darling River near Menindee last week, indicating fish distress within the lake.

Luke Driscoll, chief executive of the Barkandji Native Title Group Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC, stated that an estimated 100,000 fish, primarily native species, have been found dead along the lake shore. He noted that the area has experienced similar fish kills every few years.

The river rangers are collaborating with Central Darling Shire and NSW government personnel to manage the clean-up operation, which spans approximately 3 kilometers of the lake bank.

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Fisheries acknowledged the fish kill event, stating that while no definitive cause has been determined, recent extreme temperatures followed by a cool change are considered likely contributing factors due to their influence on local water conditions as lake levels recede.

While no definitive cause has been determined, recent extreme temperatures followed by a cool change are considered likely contributing factors due to their influence on local water conditions as lake levels recede.