The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Fisheries Division have been investigating a marine fish kill event north of Bunbury at Belvidere Beach.
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Following a report to FishWatch made by a member of the public of dead blue swimmer crabs along Belvidere Beach on Thursday, August 24, Fisheries and Marine Officers immediately visited the location to assess the situation and collect samples.
Initial estimates indicate about 500 dead blue swimmer crabs have washed ashore on Belvidere Beach.
Based on observations and preliminary analysis of the crabs, Fisheries scientists believe the event occurred a few days ago and may be an isolated event.
The samples have been sent to the department’s fish health unit for analysis.
Results may take up to seven days depending on the tests being undertaken.
No other dead aquatic animals have been reported or sighted.
Fisheries will continue to monitor the area over the weekend and respond to enquiries.
This fish kill is a separate event and does not appear to be related to the bacterial shell disease found in crabs from Bunbury Harbour in December 2016.
As with all fish kills, the department recommends as a precaution people do not collect, handle, or move any dead crabs.
Fisheries reminds anyone not to swim or fish in water that looks discoloured, murky, or smells unpleasant, or where there are large numbers of dead crabs or another species.
The public’s vigilance and reporting of any unusual events and sightings is a very important part of the department’s fish kill response program.
The earlier Fisheries hears about fish kill events, the better chance we have to respond and take suitable samples that will help establish what the cause might be.
Any fish kills should be immediately reported to the department’s FishWatch 24 hour hotline on 1800 815 507.
For more information visit fish.wa.gov.au.
