The report was made to DPIRD’s Fishwatch hotline.
Following the notification, DWER officers attended the scene to survey the site and take water samples for analysis.
The two separate incidents centred around the Forrest Hwy crossing of the Serpentine River, upstream of Lake Goegrup; the second being further upstream in the vicinity of the Amarillo farm bridge in Keralup.
It is estimated several hundred dead sea mullet and black bream were involved.
Phytoplankton results from the event centred at Amarillo Bridge showed high densities of algae and a range of species present, though it is likely this event was due to low overnight dissolved oxygen and other conditions (water temperature, depth and flow) were also unfavourable.
Samples collected at the Forrest Hwy crossing of the Serpentine River (just upstream of Lake Goegrup) showed only moderate densities of algae, though conditions were sub optimal for fish due to warm water temperature, shallow depth and low flow. It is likely this event was due to low overnight dissolved oxygen.
Members of the public are asked to report any fish deaths or fish strandings by ringing the DPIRD Fishwatch 24-hour hotline number on 1800 815 507. DWER investigates fish kills that occur in freshwater.
Contact with dead fish should be avoided and the Department of Health advises against eating or handling fish found in these circumstances.
Comments can be attributed to: Department of Water and Environmental Regulation Spokesperson
