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The fish, which was found in the Lower Collie River between the Australind Bypass Bridge and the Eaton Drive Bridge in the state’s south-west, may have died due to low dissolved oxygen levels in the river, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) said. said.
“Dissolved oxygen levels have dropped rapidly following the recent intense heavy rainfall,” it said in a statement.
Department officials have collected several samples from the site and posted signs warning the public to avoid the area as a precaution.
The fish affected are mainly bream and mullet.
After heavy rainfall causes water to flow into a river’s catchment, organic matter and sediment that is shaken up can rise to the surface, the DWER statement explained.
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When this low oxygen content rises to the surface of the river, it can cause fish to suffocate.
DWER said the rain was the first significant rain since October 2023, adding that the particular part of the river system is prone to sudden changes in water quality.
“The layer of trapped saltwater near the bottom can become deoxygenated over time, posing a significant risk to the entire river system if it mixes suddenly,” it said.
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