Fish kill event reported near Prawn Rock channel in Ocean Beach

Up to 40 silver bream have been reported dead at Ocean Beach near the Prawn Rock Channel in a fish kill event.

A fish kill event is the sudden and unexpected death of a number of fish or other species over a short period of time in a particular area.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are warning beach users and fishermen to stay safe around the area of the kill while they investigate.

People are urged to follow general health department advice, including not to swim or fish around the sight of the fish kill and not to temporarily collect or consume or use as bait fish from waters near the kill.

Pet owners are warned not to allow pets to consume or come into contact with the dead or decomposing fish either in the water or on shore.

DPIRD officers are gathering information and assessing the extent of the kill.

They will also collect suitable samples for laboratory testing if necessary.

Updates will be issued when further information is available.

The public can report fish kills to the FishWatch 24/7 reporting service on 1800 815 507.

If reporting a kill you should include information on where and what you saw, the numbers of dead fish and if possible, the species affected.

GPS coordinates and/or photographs will also assist the DPIRD’s investigation.