Australia Launches Massive Clean-up Operation To Tackle Fish Deaths In Menindee River

Following a devastating event that caused millions of fish to die in a river in New South Wales state (NSW), Australia has initiated a large-scale clean-up operation. The recovered fish carcasses are expected to be disposed of in a landfill, according to local sources.

An emergency centre has been established in Menindee, located in the state’s far west, to oversee the clean-up and monitor the water quality. The deaths are believed to be a result of an unseasonal heatwave, and authorities have stated that the water quality in the river that supplies water to many local residents is not a cause for concern.

There is ongoing testing of the water quality, which will ensure immediate action if a switchover for supply is required,” said NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell.

Graeme Crabb, a resident of the affected area, took to Facebook to share a video showing rotting fish piled up along the riverbank and stated that “the worst is still coming.”

At the weekend, temperatures in the region reached 40C (104F). In the meantime, volunteers from OzFish, a conservation organization, have initiated a search and rescue mission to recover as many native fish as possible.

Braeden Lampard described the stench as “putrid” and informed the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that his crew was relocating the saved fish to a holding tank equipped with oxygen.

Lampard estimated that around 85% of the deceased fish were native species like Bony Bream and Golden Perch, while the remaining portion was made up of non-native varieties such as carp.

According to state government agencies, the mass fish deaths are thought to have been caused by hypoxic blackwater, which is a natural phenomenon that results in extremely low oxygen levels.

To boost dissolved oxygen levels, these agencies have started releasing higher-quality water and are collaborating with federal agencies to determine the root cause of the situation.

This event is not the first of its kind, as there was a similar mass fish death that occurred in the same area in 2018. The Darling-Baaka River is a crucial part of the Murray-Darling Basin, which is Australia’s largest river system.

In recent years, the ecosystem of the Murray-Darling Basin has been under pressure due to drought and increased human activities. Last year, the area also experienced severe flooding following intense rainfall and storms.

Authorities have pointed out that the latest mass fish death has been made worse by the significant increase in the number of fish in the system as floodwaters receded.