QUEENSLAND Fisheries Minister Craig Wallace has announced the State Government is establishing a scientific panel to oversee the investigation into fish deaths in Gladstone.
Wallace said the expert panel would provide independent scientific and health advice to the State Government while the fishing closure is in place.
“While initial test results were received on Friday last week, we understand there are some concerns in the community, and that’s why I am establishing this panel,” Wallace said.
“Preliminary testing identified two conditions in some barramundi, red-spot disease and a parasite, and experts are continuing their investigations into these conditions, including testing other species.
“While these investigations continue, the panel of experts will provide independent advice and support on issues such as water quality and human health concerns surrounding the affected fish.
“The group will also examine whether there is a need for additional testing of water quality or other ecological parameters.”
Despite calls from the Greens, the State Government has refused to stop dredging in Gladstone. The Courier Mail reports Greens environment spokeswoman Larissa Waters called for a dredging ban, saying it was wrong that a major environmental crisis was occurring while 46 million cubic metres of dredging works for the liquefied natural gas industry continued unabated.
The scientific panel will be chaired by Australian Institute of Marine Science Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ian Poiner and will include independent experts in the areas of water health, seafood safety, fish pathology and ecotoxins, as well as a representative from Fisheries Queensland.
