Carnarvon giant sea catfish kill caused by environmental conditions, DPIRD reveals after monitoring

An investigation into a large fish kill in Carnarvon has revealed adverse environmental conditions contributed to the deaths. About 200 giant sea catfish were reported in a fish kill at Town Beach near the mouth of the Gascoyne River. The Carnarvon fish kill was reported to the governing body on Wednesday, December 28. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development concluded investigations a week on and revealed monitoring suggested the fish kills were likely caused by adverse environmental conditions. Environmental factors that could contribute to a fish kill include changes in salinity, temperature, acidity levels, dissolved oxygen levels and significant algal growth. “The above-average water temperatures and low tides experienced around the time of the fish kill could have resulted in decreased dissolved oxygen levels, which can lead to fish kills,” DPIRD fish kill response co-ordinator Marion Massam said. “It may not be possible to identify a single definitive cause, but every effort is made to establish probable factors.” DPIRD said the giant sea catfish were reported schooling in the area and are believed to spawn there. As no other fish or other marine life have been found dead, it is probable that these deaths are the result of adverse environmental conditions. To report a fish kill contact Fish Watch on 1800 815 507 and note the number of fish, species, pictures and GPS coordinates.