Warnings of more Darling-Baaka fish deaths despite NSW Government efforts

By JUSTIN COOPER.

The NSW Government is set to implement expert recommendations to improve the Darling-Baaka river’s neglected ecosystem, following an investigation into mass fish deaths across the region.

On Friday, the state government finally announced the new measures to be taken in order to adequately maintain the large river system. Whilst the new strategies are currently being carried out, the Minister for Water has warned locals of potential fish deaths over the Summer.

Spanning 1,472 kilometres across the outback of NSW, the Darling-Baaka River’s lack of maintenance has impacted many locals over the past few years. It has caused mass fish deaths effecting regional towns.

In August, an Executive summary of the independent review by the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer identified that negligence from the NSW Water Department and lack of “emergency management arrangements” contributed to the fish deaths.

The lack of low dissolved oxygen within the river, scientifically called Hypoxia, is causing the “degradation of the broader river ecosystem over many years,” stated the report.

An Independent review into the 2023 fish deaths began at the beginning of the year, with the government receiving the final report in late September.

Implementing recommendations

The new strategies from the government include multiple methods to increase oxygen within the water. Aiming to increase oxygenated flow, plans to implement additional pulse releases and adjust water releases from Lake Pamamaroo are focused on supporting native fish in the river.

Additionally, the government intends to survey fish movements throughout the river, to inform the removal of invasive species and fish relocation.

New positions will also be appointed to help provide immediate monitoring and maintenance of the river, with employees to be permanently based in Menindee or around the Far West region.

High risk of fish deaths remain

Announcing the plans from Menindee, Minister for Water Rose Jackson said the government aims to be transparent about how the implementation of the final report’s recomendations.

“It’s clear there are still many gaps in the system, but we are getting on with the job to address them,” said Jackson.

However, Jackson notes the risk of further fish deaths “remain very high” due to warmer conditions over the Summer and fish within Menindee weir pool’s putting pressure on the river system.

“As we move forward with our response, we are continuing [to] consult closely with the wider community and key stakeholders including the Barkandji Native Title Group and Central Darling Shire Council to keep them informed every step of the way,” Jackson continued.

Federal Bill Concerns

Coinciding with NSW’s recent strategies, the Federal Government has tabled amendments towards supporting the Murray-Darling river system.

The Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Bill intends to provide increased management of water releases and maintenance along the river. However, environmental organisations from across the country are calling for the bill to guarantee that water will be recovered, and for First Nations People to be recognised as the water’s traditional owners.

Speaking on the recent Bill, Water Campaigner for the Conservation Council of NSW Melissa Gray says “Despite some positive steps… the Darling-Baaka is still left high and dry.”

“Fish kills will continue unless more water is recovered in the Northern Basin ahead of the next drought.”

“This bill does nothing to address the significant impact climate change is already having on our inland rivers. Kicking the can down the road until 2026 will leave inland rivers suffering.”

Concerns for the river continue to flare, with an looming El Niño season expected over the Summer. The increased heat across the regional areas could potentially cause further damage and further fish deaths along the river.