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Unknown circumstances see more than 100 fish dead along Myalup beach, people warned not to swim or fish

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Kasper JohansenHarvey-Waroona Reporter
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Myalup black bream dead on beach
Camera IconMyalup black bream dead on beach Credit: DPIRD

More than 100 fish have been found dead due to unknown circumstances along Myalup beach, with people warned not to swim or fish near the area.

The mysterious fish kill case resulted in the deaths of scores of black bream, mullet and flathead, with officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development unsure about what killed them.

Water samples collected from the beach and sent to Perth for analysis showed no evidence of infectious disease or phytoplankton — which, if too abundant, can deplete water oxygen levels.

A statement from DPIRD said the water was heavily stained with what appeared to be tannins, which can rapidly affect water-quality parameters, such as potential hydrogen, and stress aquatic animals.

“Nitrate levels may have been slightly higher than normal,” it said.

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DPIRD said anyone who had handled dead or dying fish and experienced any inflammation around cuts or abrasions should see a doctor.

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