Deaths of large numbers of fish – including eels – are reported in Victorian waterways from time to time. The causes can relate to environmental stresses such as low flow conditions, elevated water temperature or pollution.
EPA’s Waterway incident (fish death) response guideline (publication 1068) lays out the roles and responsibilities of water management and environment agencies for responding to fish deaths.
Public reports of fish deaths can be made to EPA’s Pollution Hotline on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC). If possible, provide the following information:
- location of the incident, mentioning which waterway is involved
- time of the incident
- whether fish are dead or merely affected
- approximate number of dead fish and whether they are fresh or decomposing
- whether other fauna are affected
- condition of the waterway (flow, colour, odour etc).