Council put fish kill down to cold

COUNCIL have blamed the death of hundreds of fish in a Gold Coast waterway at the weekend on a drop in temperature. Most of the dead fish and eels are at a rock weir which is a barrier between Clear Island Lake and the canal system just to the north of the Bundall equine precinct.

“Small bream have been reported floating in the area yesterday (Saturday), and this morning. It appears this is a natural occurrence, related to when water temperatures drop significantly and impact oxygen levels,” a council spokesperson said. “City staff will remove the dead fish and Gold Coast Water officials will undertake water testing over the next few days.”

Local residents have previously expressed concerns about water quality in the area. The Bulletin has obtained an email where a resident, in February this year, wrote to all councillors urging water testing of the lake.

“I urge you to arrange immediate water testing for oxygen and other toxicity in Clear Island Lake,” the email said.

Earlier this month concerned residents also wrote to councillor Dawn Crichlow, who sought a report from city environment officers.

Environmental health officers conducted a site assessment on June 13 and obtained a water sample. “Water quality results have indicated that the ponds have slightly elevated levels of nutrients and show signs of faecal output, however other physio chemical property and elements (metals) are within guidelines values,” the report said.