JOURNALIST: Jenny Oldland
HUNDREDS of juvenile mullet were found dead in the Coobowie estuary and adjoining seaward side of the causeway bridge late on Monday, January 23. 
However, it wasn’t until low tide the next day the full extent of the fish kill was revealed.
PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture aquatic animal health officer Dr Shane Roberts said an assessment of the location, temperature and tidal information has led to the ruling the fish kill was the result of shallow water in the estuary system heating to temperatures above the range of tolerance for these fish.
“Isolated fish kills of this nature are a common and natural scenario for many shallow water nursery habitats during the summer months,” Dr Roberts said.
“While these areas provide shelter for young fish species, at low tides fish can be isolated within these shallow waters and during any hot weather are exposed to high water temperatures.”
Regional fisheries officers are continuing to monitor the area.
Fish kills should be reported to the FISHWATCH 24-hour hotline, 1800 065 522, or your local fisheries office.
The public is reminded dead or dying fish found during any fish kill event are not recommended for human consumption.