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Fish kill events

Fish kill eventA fish kill event involves the death of a large number of fish or other aquatic animals (such as crabs or prawns) over a short period of time and often within a defined area.

Fish kill events can occur due to a wide range of factors including:

  • natural spawning and     migration events
  • diseases including susceptibility to disease     due to stress of poor water quality
  • low dissolved oxygen – this can be caused by     decay of algal     blooms, decay of other organic matter, coral     spawning, poor mixing of a water body
  • sudden change in water quality such as salinity, pH, turbidity, dissolved solids or temperature.
  • contaminants such as hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide,     ammonia, methane and other contaminants, including metals
  • physical irritants – such as suspended     sediment, algal cells and bacteria that interfere with fish gills
  • algal toxins, which are produced by some species     under certain conditions.

The Department of Water and Department of Fisheries jointly manage the state's Fish  Kill Response protocol. We need members of the public to report incidents as quickly as possible so that we can respond.

If you see a fish kill please report it immediately to:

  • the Department of Primary Industries Regional Development (DPIRD) - Fisheries 'FishWatch' hotline 1800 815 507 (24 hour service)
  • your nearest Department of Water and Environmental Regulation or DPIRD office
  • the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (for the Swan Canning Riverpark) on 9278 0900 or after hours on 9278 0981

For your safety please do not:

  • touch     the dead or dying fish, or the water in the area
  • collect     fish for samples or use as bait
  • eat     any fish caught in the area of the event

Some of the factors contributing to fish kills and the connection with algal blooms, are summarised in the diagram below.Factors contributing to fish killls and algal blooms

Factors contributing to fish kill and algal bloom events

Page last updated - 07 Apr 2015
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The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation was established by the Government of Western Australia on 1 July 2017. It is a result of the amalgamation of the Department of Environment Regulation, Department of Water and the Office of the Environmental Protection Authority. This website/publication may contain references to previous government departments and programs. Please contact the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation to clarify any specific information.

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