Dissolved oxygen levels in the Macquarie River remain at critically low levels, causing great concern that further fish kills are imminent, following an extreme hypoxic anoxic water quality event that has left thousands of fish and shrimp rotting on the river banks.
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Readings at the Dubbo city boat ramp taken yesterday indicate dissolved oxygen levels of just 1mg per litre, which is just 25% of what native fish need to be stable, as readings of 4mg per litre to 15mg per litre are considered a healthy river environment.
Terracotta coloured and toxic water continues to make its way down the Macquarie River, with the heavily discoloured flow now making its way down to the Narromine township.
Catastrophic native fish deaths have been recorded so far in a 32-kilometre stretch, from just above Dubbo to the junction of the Little River, with stressed fish being observed at different times in a much wider reach, causing fears that we are on the cusp of a much larger fish kill event.
Large Murray Cod estimated to be up to 30 years old, Yellowbelly of all sizes, threatened Catfish and even the usually unkillable European Carp have all been decimated in many pools above the city, with the event causing grave concern for native fish stocks into the future.
A NSW Department of Primary Industries spokesperson told Dubbo Catches that "DPI Fisheries staff have been on alert with high rainfall expected over much of the Northern Murray-Darling Basin and coastal regions, and will continue to actively monitor the situation with local stakeholders and other Government agencies."
"The NSW Government's $10 million commitment to support native fish during the current drought and bushfire season will be critical in assisting the recovery of populations when conditions improve.
"DPI Fisheries in strong partnership with local communities have relocated more than 3000 fish from priority locations across the state as part of the NSW Native Fish Drought Response, including efforts in the Macquarie Valley.
"DPI Fisheries will continue to work with partner agencies and stakeholders to manage and monitor water quality and river conditions at priority sites.
"Community members are encouraged to report any fish deaths or observations through the Fishers Watch hotline on 1800 043 536."
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Information for anglers: The FishSmart NSW app gives recreational fishers 24/7 access to the essential information. Download the app to keep up to date.
