Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is currently investigating a fish death incident at Lake Meran, in Kerang following a report it received on Monday 9, January 2017.
It’s estimated thousands of red fin fish about 10-15 centimetres in length, carp and a few yellow belly have died.
EPA is currently investigating the incident and is at the site today to further evaluate the situation and to identify the cause. While the cause of the incident is unknown at this time, reports indicate significantly low oxygen levels in the water is likely to have resulted in the fish death incident.
EPA has inspected the site today and collected water samples that will be sent off for analysis. EPA’s assessment at the site today indicates oxygen levels within the lake are improving.
EPA will continue to work with its partner agencies as part of its investigation which includes clean-up of the dead fish. Part of this will include further monitoring of the lake to check water quality as well as for any further fish deaths.
EPA, in conjunction with other government agencies, have engaged a contractor to start the clean up of dead fish from Lake Meran. The contractors will start the clean up tomorrow (Thursday) which is likely to take a couple of days.
The community is reminded not to eat dead or dying fish, and is encouraged to report any pollution to EPA’s Pollution Hotline on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC).