The lower Darling-Baaka River in far west New South Wales (NSW) is experiencing a severe problem of millions of dead fish clogging the waterways. Local politicians are urgently calling for the removal of the dead fish, mainly bony herring, which are causing ecological devastation. The NSW Department of Planning and Environment clarified that floods and hot weather caused the fish to die from low oxygen levels in the river. The current hot temperatures will likely lead to further fish die-offs in the coming days. Senator Perin Davey has urged the NSW and national governments to dispose of the rotting fish immediately, suggesting adapting elements from the National Carp Control Program. The river has turned green in some areas, and locals say the smell is awful. NSW Green’s water spokeswoman Cate Faehrmann explained that the fish need disposing of to prevent ecological devastation. The 2019 event saw a million fish die due to high temperatures and drought. This week’s fish die-off is forecast to exceed that event.
Politicians urge resolution for mass fish deaths in New South Wales.
