Shornecliffe Jetty - Toxic Fish

[crystalls]

Sorry... im not sure exactly where this needs to be posted....

but i was at shornecliffe jetty last night and tonight.... the muddies, threadfin, bull sharks, etc are all biting... a few guys pulled some monster fish out of the water there last night.... some guy even caught a cod in a crab pot... but when i was there tonight 2 council guys walked down the end of the jetty to make sure people were aware that qld health had been doing testing on the waters from i forget where to where... but it was basically encompassing the entire east waterways.... and there is a 3rd x more toxicity in the waters at the moment... so they have classified all fish as being toxic to eat right now...

it doesnt bother me too much... i dont eat them... i just like the fun of catching the bastards... but i just thought, incase people were not aware... probably dont eat anything but shark in these areas yet

[mongrel jack]

I haven't read anything official but would say that's good advice considering the crap that's pouring into the bay at the moment. Thanks for the post.

Cheers!

[Shimanobwoie]

I'm not to surprised either. I know they shut down the redcliffe beachs to all swimming due to bad sea lice

[Nickers]

Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability

The Honourable Kate Jones

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Encouraging results for Moreton Bay but health warnings remain

The first round of test results from samples taken at a number of sites in Moreton Bay last week show the bay has so far avoided any major sewerage contamination as a result of this month’s floods however, there is concern regarding the levels of enterococci found in Cabbage Tree Creek.

Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said the latest results returned only low levels of enterococci out in the bay, a sign that any sewerage contaminations at inland waterways have been well diluted before reaching the bay.

However, test results at Cabbage Tree Creek near Sandgate have shown elevated levels of enterococci.

Queensland Health advise people should continue to avoid contact with the waters in all rivers and creeks in Brisbane, as well as Moreton Bay while testing is ongoing. In particular, people should avoid entering the water in Cabbage Tree Creek, Shorncliffe and Nudgee Beach.

“While we have received some positive news for the health of Moreton Bay as well as the marine animals that call the bay home, people still need to exercise extreme caution,†Ms Jones said.

“Queensland Health advise that the results returned in regards to enterococci at the sites in Moreton Bay, other than at the entrance of Cabbage Tree Creek, do not pose a risk to human health in relation to this particular indicator.

“However, further testing is continuing on samples taken from more sites, and we are still awaiting results for other possible contaminants such as metals, fuels and pesticides.

“In addition to possible human health risks, these sorts of materials, along with the large amount of sediment that makes up the flood plume over the bay continue to pose a risk to the marine environment.

“The comprehensive monitoring we are undertaking is about ensuring we get the best information possible so we can advise the public and industry and can determine the action we can take to help our waterways recover.â€

Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said test results confirming elevated levels of enterococci at Cabbage Tree Creek are not of the same high levels recorded at Oxley Creek in Brisbane’s south, however are still of concern.

“Therefore people should exercise caution and avoid the waters in this area,†Dr Young said.

“The floods have washed a lot of contaminants into our waterways and it is still not safe to enter these waters.

“The presence of enteroccoci in any of our waterways is a risk to human health and even out on Moreton Bay where initial enterococci results are normal, there are still other contaminants being tested for, so we urge people not to go in the water there unless it is absolutely necessary.â€

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin has urged fishers to continue to be cautious about taking catch from flood-affected areas until testing is finalised.

"The fishing industry still has a voluntarily stoppage on fishing in the area most significantly impacted by flood run-off,†Minister Mulherin said.

“However, we will be meeting with both the recreational and commercial fishing sectors on Monday to discuss these test results and their approach to fishing in the bay over the coming weeks.â€

Mr Mulherin said flood run off had impacted some fish species in Moreton Bay with reports of red spot in small numbers of bream and whiting.

“Fishers should steer away from catching or consuming fish that show any signs of red spot which shows as black burn-like marks, or deeper ulcers with red centres on the fish.

“Red spot, typically caused by a fungus, often shows up when fish are stressed and is not uncommon during floods.â€

All agencies involved are continuing to work together as more test results are received to assess the impacts on human health, the seafood industry and the environment.

Media Contacts:

Queensland Health – 0429 077 886

Minister Jones’ Office – 3239 0818

Minister Mulherin’s Office – 3239 6530

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Gad]

EDIT ...only just realised Nickers had posted similar in another thread.

cheers GAD

NUDGEE, Sandgate, Shorncliffe and Brighton beaches have been closed after tests showed high levels of enterococci in the water.

The bacteria usually indicates faecal pollution.

The first round of test results from samples taken at a number of sites in Moreton Bay last week showed the bay has so far avoided any major sewerage contamination as a result of this month's floods.

Hhowever, there are health concerns about the levels of enterococci found in Cabbage Tree Creek.

Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said the latest results returned only low levels of enterococci out in the bay, a sign that any sewerage contaminations at inland waterways have been well diluted before reaching the bay.

However, test results at Cabbage Tree Creek near Sandgate have shown elevated levels of enterococci.

Queensland Health advise people should continue to avoid contact with the waters in all rivers and creeks in Brisbane, as well as Moreton Bay while testing is ongoing. In particular, people should avoid entering the water in Cabbage Tree Creek, Shorncliffe and Nudgee Beach.

"While we have received some positive news for the health of Moreton Bay as well as the marine animals that call the bay home, people still need to exercise extreme caution," Ms Jones said.

"Queensland Health advise that the results returned in regards to enterococci at the sites in Moreton Bay, other than at the entrance of Cabbage Tree Creek, do not pose a risk to human health in relation to this particular indicator.

"However, further testing is continuing on samples taken from more sites, and we are still awaiting results for other possible contaminants such as metals, fuels and pesticides.

"In addition to possible human health risks, these sorts of materials, along with the large amount of sediment that makes up the flood plume over the bay continue to pose a risk to the marine environment.

"The comprehensive monitoring we are undertaking is about ensuring we get the best information possible so we can advise the public and industry and can determine the action we can take to help our waterways recover."

Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said test results confirming elevated levels of enterococci at Cabbage Tree Creek are not of the same high levels recorded at Oxley Creek in Brisbane's south, however are still of concern.

"Therefore people should exercise caution and avoid the waters in this area," Dr Young said.

[John]

Mod Note: Topics Merged