Sudden deaths of fish in Sunshine Coast hatchery invites wrath of concerned authority. The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) has started new investigation into the case as the initial investigation, which began a couple of years ago, was discontinued because no breaches of chemical use could be identified, and there was a lack of evidence to support further actions.
The probe reopened after new complaints about fish health were reported in 2008. A fish pathologist and an aquaculture officer visited the fish hatchery to undertake a thorough assessment of fish health. A biosecurity inspector has also visited the adjoining macadamia farm and examined its records and its spraying techniques. Test results of the samples taken from hatchery reported no evidence that chemicals used on the adjoining macadamia property have been used contrary to the label instructions, and they have also excluded the presence of infectious diseases.
It says that there is no risk of any contaminated fish entering the food chain as this hatchery only supplies fingerlings, which are grown out elsewhere. Samples of the pond water at the hatchery were negative for chemical residues. Samples from dead fish collected by the owner are awaiting finalisation and results should be available by February.
