Officers from DWER’s Geraldton office have attended the site and an estimated 20 fish have been found dead over this period.
Species included mulloway and mangrove jack.
DWER Principal Scientist Dr Tim Storer said the fish deaths were likely due to poor water quality associated with the dry season conditions.
“Similar fish deaths have been recorded in the Greenough River in the past at this time of year, linked to higher temperatures, low water flows and associated increases in algae,” he said.
“These conditions can result in oxygen levels falling below the tolerance limits of some species.”
DWER Acting Regional Manager Fleur Coaker said reports received from the public and observations from DWER officers who visited the site, support the presence of low oxygen conditions.
“Larger fish are more susceptible to these moderate changes in oxygen levels,” she said.
Contact with dead fish should be avoided and the Department of Health advises against eating or handling fish found in these circumstances.
Similarly, people and their pets should avoid contact with water in any areas with algae blooms.
Members of the public are asked to report any fish deaths or fish strandings by ringing the DPIRD Fishwatch hotline on 1800 815 507.
