NEWS DESK
Western Port
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Journalists: Stephen Taylor, Neil Walker 5973 6424 Photographers: Gary Sissons, Yanni Advertising Sales: Val Bravo 0407 396 824 Real Estate Account Manager: Jason Richardson 0421 190 318 Production/Graphic design: Marcus Pettifer, Maria Mirabella Group Editor: Keith Platt 0439 394 707 Publisher: Cameron McCullough REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Peter McCullough, Stuart McCullough, Andrew Hurst, Craig MacKenzie. ADDRESS: Mornington Peninsula News Group PO Box 588 Hastings 3915 Email: team@mpnews.com.au Web: www.mpnews.com.au DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 1PM ON THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: TUESDAY 20 DECEMBER 2016
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Creek fish deaths ‘natural’ Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au DOZENS of dead fish have been turning up in Merricks Creek over the past few weeks. “Most of the fish carcasses, 30-40cm adult black bream, are on the creek margins to the west of the Balnarring Beach road bridge,” Barry Greer, of Balnarring, said. “I have contacted Melbourne Water and the Balnarring Foreshore Committee but both entities insist that it’s a natural event and there’s no cause for concern. “I have spent much time around the creek and have never seen this number of dead fish in the creek or estuary before. The strange part is that only these large bream seem to be affected.” Mr Greer said he saw 13 dead fish from the bridge on Wednesday and 12 on the Tuesday. “They were not the same fish,” he said. “Foxes would take any leftover dead ones. It’s an ongoing thing.” Mr Greer said the creek had been allowed to fill with sediment. “The water’s only a foot deep in some places
and they say they won’t dredge because that would disturb nitrates and heavy metals.” Melbourne Water Waterways and land manager south east John Woodland blamed natural phenomena for the deaths. “Unfortunately, large numbers of fish die from time to time in our creeks due to natural causes, such as low oxygen levels, particularly during the summer months,” he said. “This can happen in most waterways this time of year and does not necessarily reflect the health of the waterway.” Mr Greer predicted Melbourne Water’s response: “They’ll say it is a natural occurrence but really it’s as a result of a disrupted environment, with much building work causing mud to flow down the drains. I don’t think they are
taking it seriously.” The EPA says it is investigating reports of fish dying in Merricks Creek. The Melbourne Water-sponsored Merricks Creek Estuary Investigation and Options Analysis Report, published in October last year, advises against trying to prevent sea grass entering the estuary; trying to clear it from the estuary, or from clearing it from Balnarring Beach, saying it is natural and clearing could endanger some species, such as the hooded plover. The report, by Alluvium Consulting Australia Pty Ltd, explored the processes creating the “rotten egg gas” odour, fish kills and shallowing of the estuary. It concluded fish deaths were likely caused by a decline in dissolved oxygen in the water. This can be caused by either algal blooms or through a process in which hydrogen sulphide released into the water through decomposition of the sea grass is oxidised by the dissolved oxygen. Reports of large numbers of fish, crustaceans or eels that appear to be dead or struggling can be made to the EPA on 1300 372 842.
Navy opens up for contamination talk Western Port
HMAS Cerberus is holding a public information session this week on its investigations into environmental contamination caused by the historical use of fire-fighting foams. The walk-in session will focus on per-and poly-fluoroalkl substances (PFAS) detected near the Crib Point
naval base. The aim is to provide residents and business owners with an opportunity to find out details of the investigation and to ask questions one-on-one with Defence and government experts. The session will be held 7-9pm, Thursday 15 December, at the Crib
Point Primary School, Milne St, Crib Point. Defence will provide a brief presentation at 7.30pm. Those wanting to attend should RSVP by calling 1800 365 414 or email PFASDefenceCoordination@ golder.com.au
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Western Port News 13 December 2016
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