Dead fish in doomed Lake Mokoan

Expect more as Mokoan continues to dry up

Source: Wangaratta Chronicle - 9 Jan 09

HOT weather and low water levels are believed responsible for a fish kill at Lake Mokoan.

And the Environment Protection Authority expects worse to come as summer takes a heavier toll on the once expansive lake, currently only 2.9 per cent of its capacity ahead of its scheduled decommissioning in June.

EPA North East regional manager, Ann Telford, said eight European carp had so far been found in the lake, but there was no evidence of pollution.

"The lake has low water levels and, as the weather has warmed up, this has made the lake less habitable to fish and other aquatic species," Ms Telford said.

"As conditions worsen over the summer, we can expect more fish to die."

Ms Telford said Goulburn Murray Water, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Fisheries Victoria and Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority are working together to manage the situation.

"The agencies will be removing the dead fish and are currently conducting regular inspections of the lake.

"They will advise EPA of any changes in the situation and clean-up arrangements can be varied if needed."

Ms Telford said a great deal of work had been undertaken by partner agencies to relocate native species, including Murray cod and golden perch, from the lake to other water bodies.

She said similar deaths could occur in other waterways and reports of fish deaths could be made by contacting the EPA on 57201111.

Tony Long from DSE catchment and water services said DSE was unlikely to undertake any additional fish relocation works because the low water level made boat access difficult and nets ineffective.

He said it is still likely the lake contains a significant number of European carp and a number of remaining native fish.