Illegal openings of Lorne River estuary spark environmental concerns

THE Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is calling on anyone with information about a recent spate of illegal openings of the Lorne River estuary to come forward.

It follows four illegal openings of the estuary to the ocean in just over a month, with the third opening on April 4 resulting in a fish death event, which was investigated by the EPA.

Pollution was ruled out as a potential cause.

Water testing at the site, conducted on March 11 after the first illegal opening on March 8, confirmed the water quality of the estuary was already poor, with low oxygen levels and high water temperatures recorded.

A further two illegal openings of the Lorne River estuary have occurred this month, sparking calls for information from waterway manager Corangamite CMA. Photos: FACEBOOK/GLENN JOHNSON

The fourth opening, which occurred on April 11, was attended by both Victoria Police and Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) staff.

A spokesperson for Corangamite CMA said artificially opening an estuary is illegal and urged anyone with information to get in contact.

“Artificially opening the estuary in these conditions can drain all the fresh oxygenated water out to sea, leaving the estuary with little or no oxygenated water, resulting in a fish death event.

“It is a serious offence and is destructive to the environment.”

The Erskine River estuary is one of many across the state that naturally alternates between being opened and closed to the sea, but there is a misconception that artificial openings can help improve water quality.

A fish death event occurred on April 7, after the third illegal opening, which was investigated by the EPA.

A spokesperson for GORCAPA called for greater understanding of the potential risks of continued interference to the Lorne River estuary, with repeated artificial opening having a compounding negative effect that disrupts fish populations, bird habitats, vegetation and water quality.

“We urge community members to understand that estuaries naturally open and close for important ecological reasons, and artificial intervention, especially during low flow conditions, can impact aquatic life.”

Community members with information about illegal artificial estuary openings in the area are encouraged to phone Corangamite CMA on 1800 002 262 or email [email protected]