Red Spot Disease In Myall Lake?

[Catchin Jack]

Here's a copy of Newcastle Heralds report

Anglers suspect red spot disease has returned to the Myall Lakes, triggering renewed concerns about the estuary system’s health.

Fishermen have reported a rising number of fish with red lesions resembling red spot disease in recent months.

‘‘I’ve seen at least six cases in the last month,’’ Stewart Paterson, from Hawks Nest Sports Store, said.

‘‘The biggest worry is that the fish I’ve seen with it have been big fish so you have to ask, what about the little fish that would be dying.’’

Fish disease wreaked havoc in the area two years ago when winter disease, red spot and a third unidentified illness were found in the estuary.

The diseases were in a raft of environmental problems, including poor water clarity and low salinity, that prompted a Department of Environment and Climate Change investigation into the river.

The investigations are contained in a report due to be released in coming weeks.

But Mr Paterson said the state government and its departments had lacked interest in locals’ views on the health of the estuary system.

‘‘They have just spent a heap of money deepening the [navigational] channel so a few charter boats can get through. But what’s the point when the water isn’t healthy,’’ Mr Paterson said.

National Parks and Wildlife Service spokesman Lawrence Orel said he was unaware of any cases of red spot disease reported recently in the Myall Lakes. Locals dispute this, saying they constantly report diseased fish.

Anglers who catch fish with suspected red spot are asked to euthanase them and report the catch to the Department of Fisheries.

RED SPOT DISEASE

Severely ulcerated fish should:

Not be eaten

Not be returned to the waterway

Be euthanased by quickly removing the head (after immersion in ice slurry if possible)

Be disposed of in landfill away from any waterway.

Source: NSW Primary Industries

[rjc123]

We go up to Hawksnest each year and have never experienced this. Hopefully it's better by January.