Menindee- Authorities removed millions of rotting fish clogging the river after the recent floods. Experts say the level of oxygen drop in the water caused the mass death. Also, hot temperatures due to climate change led to the death of millions of fishes.
The experts believe the fish requires more oxygen to survive in hot weather. However, the climate change led to a rise in temperature of up to 40 C (104 F). Brett Greentree, Police Assistant Commissioner said that there are concerns regarding clean water supply to the town. He said, “I understand and acknowledge the smell and sights on the river- nobody wants to see that.”
River for domestic use
Meanwhile, authorities are involved in supplying potable water to local residents. Previously, the residents were relying on the river. Also, Greentree said that it’s not possible to remove a huge number of fishes as it is a ‘’ logistical nightmare.”
Talking to ABC, one of the residents said, ‘’ other than rainwater… we 100 percent rely on that river for our household domestic use. As soon as they saw what was happening, they should’ve had that equipment here. They should’ve already been cleaning this out.’’
Mass fish deaths in the Darling River have resurfaced with tens of thousands of dead fish found in late February. Reports of more dead fish downstream have also emerged near the borders of South Australia and Victoria. This follows previous incidents in 2018 and 2019 where up to a million fish perished due to poor water flow, quality, and temperature changes. Experts have noted that the current death toll seems to be much worse than before.
