Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has flagged that recent flooding in the north-west of Victoria could lead to further fish deaths over the coming weeks following an incident at Reedy Lake, Kerang.
EPA North West Manager Scott Pigdon said about 100 bony bream fish had been found dead at the lake.
“It is likely that black water, often associated with flood waters, has reduced oxygen levels in the waterway and been the cause of this fish death incident,” Dr Pigdon said.
“These dead fish will degrade naturally and be cleaned up by birds and other natural elements.”
Goulburn-Murray Water has informed EPA that the majority of its catchment area, including the Murray and Loddon rivers, was at risk from low oxygen levels.
Dr Pigdon said EPA investigated reported fish deaths and worked closely with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, water corporations and catchment management authorities to manage fish death events.
“Members of the community are urged to contact EPA’s Pollution Hotline on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) if they see large numbers of fish, crustaceans and/or eels that appear to be dead or struggling,” Dr Pigdon said.