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Extreme vigilance needed during current low water
The Western Regional Fisheries Board has warned of the possibility of major fish kills at this time of year. The long drought has resulted in very low water levels in rivers throughout the region. Any run-off of silage effluent or other polluting matter could have devastating impacts at this time, as very low rivers cannot dilute the effluent.
Acting CEO of the Board, Dr. Greg Forde has appealed to farmers and other water users to be extremely vigilant in avoiding any run-off or spills of polluting matter. "Water temperatures are already extremely high and fish already stressed by lack of water and oxygen. The silage cutting season is underway and silage effluent can result in huge fish kills. Many of the rivers are already so low that Fisheries Board staff have to rescue and transfer fish to other areas to avoid high mortalities. The co-operation of the public is vital in protecting these rivers, which are priceless nursery areas for young trout and salmon. The Fisheries Board appreciates the help of the farming community and the public in looking after the rivers for the benefit of all.”
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