Dead fish mystery solved?

When Barry Cugley noticed a flock of terns and gulls diving for fish just off Bunbury’s Jetty Baths Beach, he waded out to investigate only to be surrounded by hundreds of dead fish.

A former Bunbury resident, Mr Cugley said he was less than 40m off the beach when he noticed the dead whitebait, skippy and other bigger fish in the water.

Concerned the fish might have come to a suspicious end, Mr Cugley collected several nets full for a closer examination.

Department of Fisheries Southern Regions manager Kevin Donohue said the fish deaths resulted from netting in the area.

‘‘Commercial beach seine fishers have recently been operating in Bunbury’s Casuarina Harbour, taking mainly whitebait for the retail market and bait for recreational fishers,’’ he said.

‘‘During fishing operations, a small amount of fish can occasionally escape from the net and becomewashed up on the beach.

‘‘We have been advised the commercial fishermen have been making an effort to remove any fish that have been left on the beach in order to dispose of them appropriately.’’

Mr Donohue said fishing operations in the area were likely to continue until the fish moved elsewhere.

Members of the public are asked to report large numbers of dead fish to Fisheries’ Fishwatch service by contacting 1800 815 507 as quickly as possible, for more information on fish kills visit www.fish.wa.gov.au.