CMA warns artificial opening of Anglesea River estuary could worsen fish death

CORANGAMITE Catchment Management Authority has decided against artificially opening the Anglesea River estuary, raising concerns the move would cause a further deterioration in its water quality.

Last week, EPA Victoria was altered to a number of fish deaths at the embattled waterway, which in some areas over the past week has taken on a milky blue colour, while water quality monitoring has suggested parts of the system are experiencing high levels of acidity.

A spokesperson for Corangamite CMA this week said the deaths were most likely caused by flocculation, which occurs when the salty water in the estuary reacts with acidic river flows and causes particles in the water to clump together.

But while more fish deaths are expected, opening the estuary in an attempt to allow fish to escape to the sea would risk triggering a larger fish death event.

“Artificially opening the estuary mouth in the current conditions is likely to make the impacts of the acidity and flocculation worse and may cause further fish deaths,” the spokesperson said.

“Corangamite CMA will continue to regularly monitor the estuary, work with partner agencies and keep community informed.”

For more information, and to stay updated on the river’s condition, head to ccma.vic.goc.au/anglesea-river-estuary-conditions